China has entered clinical trials for a brain-computer interface (BCI) that involves implanting chips into the brains of paralyzed patients to achieve consolidation with computers. This marks the world's second case of entering BCI clinical trials, following Elon Musk's Neuralink.
The Global Times, a state-run English-language newspaper in China, noted on the 14th that the research team at the Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology (CEBSIT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences is conducting China's first BCI clinical trials that implant chips in the brain, allowing paralyzed patients to play computer games using only their thoughts.
BCI is a technology that helps capture and analyze neural signals by implanting electrodes in a person's brain, enabling interaction with external devices like computers. In other words, it is a method of transferring thoughts into computers and converting them into voice, text, or machine actions.
Like Neuralink in the United States, CEBSIT is developing technology to supplement language and motor function loss through BCI devices. Neuralink received clinical trial approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2023 and has implanted an electrode (electronic chip) called 'Telepathy' into the brains of five patients with complete paralysis.
Previously, CEBSIT implanted China's first wireless BCI system into a patient who had lost both arms and legs in March. According to researchers, the patient, who had an accident 13 years ago, was able to control electronic devices with thought after 2–3 weeks of training and has become proficient in programs such as racing games and chess. It has been operating reliably without any infections or device failures to date.
The BCI electrodes implanted by CEBSIT in the patient’s brain are reportedly the smallest among currently developing devices, measuring 26mm in diameter and less than 6mm in thickness. Compared to Neuralink's electrodes, they are about one-seventh the size and have over 100 times greater flexibility, according to the research team.
The smaller the size of the neural electrode, the less likely immune cells are to detect foreign substances, significantly reducing damage to brain tissue. Flexible neural electrodes can closely adhere to the curved surface of the brain, enabling stable collection of numerous neural signals.
CEBSIT researchers demonstrated that stable brain signal recording is possible through long-term implantation of BCI electrodes in the brains of rodents, primates, and deceased individuals. Previously, BCI technology faced issues of rejection reactions in biological tissue or inability to adhere to the brain surface, limiting the area for neural signal collection. The research team stated that they have proposed a technological solution to overcome these problems.
Yongyong Shi, the deputy director of CEBSIT, said, 'BCI technology establishes a direct communication and control consolidation between the brain and the external world,' adding, 'This serves not only as a window for understanding the brain's information processing mechanisms but also as a promising avenue for treating diseases and exploring next-generation human-computer interaction methods.'
The BCI system under development in China is expected to receive regulatory approval and be released to the market by 2028. This technology is anticipated to significantly improve the quality of life for those who cannot move freely, such as patients with complete paralysis, those who have lost both arms, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients, by enabling device control through brain signals.
Chinese regulatory authorities have already established guidelines for BCI. The National Health Security Administration (HSA) issued guidelines through price-setting instructions for neuro-medical services in March, specifically outlining the expenses associated with BCI electrode implantation and removal. Although BCI technology is still in the early clinical trial phase, China is proactively establishing a service pricing system, which is expected to accelerate its commercialization.