China clears first commercial brain-computer interface device

China’s National Medical Products Administration has granted the world’s first commercial approval for a brain-computer interface (BCI) device aimed at restoring hand movement in people with paralysis. Developed by Borui Kang Medical Technology, the system assists patients with quadriplegia caused by cervical spinal cord injuries by translating brain signals into commands that control a robotic glove, enabling basic hand grasping. The invasive device uses minimally invasive extradural electrode implantation—placing electrodes outside the dura mater—and wireless communication to capture and transmit neural signals, allowing patients to regain some independence in daily activities. Clinical trials demonstrated significant improvements in hand function, enhancing patients’ quality of life. This approval aligns with China’s strategic emphasis on BCI technology as a priority sector and “future industry” in its latest five-year plan. Experts anticipate rapid advancement and broader public use of BCI technology within three to five years. The development also reflects China’s ambition to compete with U.S. neurotechnology firms like Elon Musk’s Neuralink. The device