China has approved and launched the world’s first commercially available brain-computer implant, beating Elon Musk’s Neuralink in the race to market.
China has scored a major win in the global brain-tech race, becoming the first country to commercially launch a brain-computer implant designed to help people with paralysis and spinal cord injuries regain movement. The breakthrough puts China ahead of Elon Musk’s Neuralink, which is still undergoing regulatory and clinical processes before broader commercialization.
As the New York Post reports, the coin-sized device, known as NEO, was developed by researchers at Tsinghua University and Neuracle Technology. Unlike some competing systems, the implant is designed to sit on the surface of the brain’s protective layer rather than penetrating deep into brain tissue, a feature experts say may reduce certain surgical risks.
The technology converts brain signals into digital commands, allowing users to interact with computers and assistive devices through thought alone. Clinical trials involving dozens of patients reportedly showed promising results, paving the way for commercial deployment within China’s healthcare system.
As the source of the news reports, supporters see enormous potential for treating neurological conditions, while critics continue to raise concerns about privacy, data security, and the ethical implications of brain-computer interfaces. For now, however, China has secured a notable first in one of technology’s most closely watched frontiers.
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