China approves first commercial invasive BCI for motor restoration
Key Questions
What is China's first approved commercial invasive BCI?
Chinese regulators approved an implanted electrode system paired with a pneumatic glove to restore hand grasp function, announced on 2026-03-13. This marks the first commercial invasive BCI for motor restoration in China.
What results have been reported from NEO and Beinao No1 BCI trials?
NEO proved safe in 32 testers at 18 months, enabling a quadriplegic patient to grasp objects after 6 months. Beinao No1 ECoG BCI showed stable motor recovery, including cursor control, exoskeleton use, and self-feeding after 1 year in quadriplegics, with 7 implants performed and over 30 trials planned, targeting ALS.
How are researchers addressing signal decay in these BCIs?
A preclinical ventricular lantern electrode in rats demonstrated 6-month stability and 98% decoding accuracy, directly tackling signal decay. Related efforts include designing implants to avoid brain scarring from immune responses and developing biological sensors that may outperform traditional electrodes.
Chinese regulators approved an implanted electrode system paired with a pneumatic glove to restore hand grasp (announced 2026‑03-13). Follow-up: NEO safe in 32 testers at 18mo; quadriplegic patient grasping post-6mo. New: Beinao No1 ECoG BCI shows stable motor recovery (cursor, exoskeleton, self-feeding after 1yr) in quadriplegics, 7 implants, 30+ trials ahead, ALS eyed. Preclinical ventricular lantern electrode (rats) shows 6mo stability, 98% decoding acc, addressing signal decay. No peer‑reviewed communication decoding or ALS/locked‑in outcomes; track safety datasets, longer‑term outcomes, comms pivot.