Articles tagged with "neural-implants"
China grants world's first commercial approval for brain implant
China’s Neuracle Medical Technology (NMT) has become the first company in the world to receive commercial regulatory approval for a plantable brain-computer interface (BCI) system. Designed to restore motor function in patients with spinal cord injuries, the wireless device is implanted on the brain cortex without penetrating brain tissue, reducing damage risk. It reads neural signals related to movement and converts them into commands to control robotic or prosthetic limbs. This approval marks a significant milestone, transitioning BCIs from experimental research tools to prescribable medical devices, potentially comparable to pacemakers in clinical use. The development reflects China’s strategic push to lead in advanced technologies such as BCIs, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology. By fast-tracking approvals and supporting companies like NMT, China aims to compete with foreign rivals like Elon Musk’s Neuralink. Beyond motor function restoration, BCIs hold promise for treating conditions like ALS, stroke, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s, as well as future applications in speech
robotbrain-computer-interfacemedical-technologyprostheticsneural-implantsassistive-technologywireless-devicesChina 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
roboticsbrain-computer-interfaceassistive-technologyneural-implantswireless-communicationmedical-devicesrehabilitation-technologyWhat It’s Like to Have a Brain Implant for 5 Years
Rodney Gorham, a 65-year-old man with ALS who has lost the ability to walk, talk, or move his hands, recently reached a significant milestone by living with Synchron’s brain implant, the Stentrode, for five years. The Stentrode is a minimally invasive device inserted via the jugular vein and positioned against the motor cortex to capture neural signals. These signals are transmitted to an external receiver, enabling Gorham to control digital devices using his thoughts. Over time, Gorham’s control has progressed from simple single clicks to complex two-dimensional cursor movements, demonstrating the implant’s evolving capabilities. Synchron, led by CEO Tom Oxley, is preparing for a larger pivotal trial to seek regulatory approval from the FDA, focusing on defining appropriate clinical endpoints to measure the device’s safety and effectiveness—a challenge unique to brain-computer interfaces. Gorham has played a crucial role in testing new decoding algorithms and interaction methods, contributing to innovations such as Apple’s Switch Control accessibility feature, which allows
robotbrain-computer-interfaceneural-implantsassistive-technologymedical-devicesneurotechnologyhuman-machine-interactionChina's origami-inspired brain implant can 'float' on neural tissue
Chinese researchers have developed a novel brain implant inspired by origami and kirigami techniques, designed to be soft, stretchable, and capable of moving with the brain rather than remaining rigid. Traditional brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), such as those by Neuralink, use rigid electrode threads that can shift or retract due to the brain’s natural movements from heartbeat and breathing, leading to reduced signal quality and potential tissue damage. To address this, the Chinese Academy of Sciences team created coil-like, spiral electrode threads that can stretch, compress, and absorb motion, reducing mechanical stress on brain tissue. The implant is also placed on a hydrogel layer to minimize friction and tissue damage, allowing the electrodes to "float" on the brain. Testing on macaque monkeys demonstrated that this origami-inspired BCI could simultaneously record activity from over 700 cortical neurons across a large brain area, maintaining stable recordings with minimal displacement compared to traditional designs. This advancement is significant for BCI applications such as aiding paralyzed
materialsbrain-computer-interfaceorigami-inspired-designneural-implantsflexible-electronicsbiomedical-engineeringneurotechnologyBye-bye corporate conglomerates. Hello personal conglomerates.
The article contrasts the corporate conglomerates of the past, exemplified by General Electric (GE) under Jack Welch, with the emerging model of "personal conglomerates" embodied by Elon Musk. Thirty years ago, GE was a sprawling industrial giant with diverse divisions spanning aerospace, energy, healthcare, and media. Under Welch’s leadership from 1981 to 2001, GE grew from $14 billion to over $400 billion through aggressive layoffs and acquisitions, including non-industrial businesses like NBC to expand influence. Welch’s management style was widely admired and emulated, but the conglomerate’s structure eventually revealed critical flaws, particularly during the 2008 financial crisis when GE Capital’s risky financial dealings led to a massive federal bailout. This prompted GE to begin dismantling its conglomerate structure five years ago. In contrast, Elon Musk operates a personal conglomerate encompassing Tesla, SpaceX, xAI, Neuralink, The Boring Company, and the social media platform X. While these companies have diverse
energyTeslaSpaceXneural-implantsThe-Boring-CompanyxAIElon-MuskNeuralink to scale brain implants, automate surgery, says Elon Musk
Elon Musk announced that Neuralink will scale up to high-volume production of its brain-computer interface devices in 2026, alongside transitioning to an almost fully automated surgical procedure. The implant, designed to aid individuals with conditions like spinal cord injuries, allows users to interact directly with computers. Neuralink began human trials in 2024 after overcoming FDA safety concerns, and as of September, 12 people with severe paralysis have received implants enabling control of digital and physical tools through thought. A notable advancement includes device threads that penetrate the dura mater without removal, simplifying surgery. Additionally, Neuralink plans to initiate trials of its Blindsight implant in 2026, targeting vision restoration for the completely blind by stimulating the visual cortex. Neuralink’s expansion is part of a broader set of ambitious projects Musk’s companies are pursuing in 2026. SpaceX aims to launch its Starship V3 spacecraft with new propulsion capabilities and conduct orbital refueling tests, alongside deploying upgraded Starlink V3 satellites for
robotbrain-computer-interfaceautomated-surgeryneural-implantscognitive-technologymedical-roboticsneural-engineeringMind control tech becomes real as China moves faster than Elon Musk
Chinese scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have achieved a significant breakthrough in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology by enabling a man with complete paralysis to control smart wheelchairs, robotic dogs, and digital devices solely through brain signals. The patient, Mr. Zhang, who suffered a high-level spinal cord injury in 2022, underwent implantation of a wireless, invasive BCI system called WRS01 at Huashan Hospital in Shanghai. The system uses flexible electrodes implanted in the brain and a processor chip in the skull, communicating wirelessly with an external power and signal receiver. After a few weeks of training, Zhang regained the ability to control a computer cursor and various devices, allowing him to perform paid remote work and navigate physical environments independently. This development marks the first time BCI technology has provided stable, real-world control across multiple robotic platforms, moving beyond laboratory experiments. Zhang’s ability to work remotely as an intern sorter and operate assistive robotics such as a smart wheelchair and robotic dogs demonstrates
robotbrain-computer-interfacewireless-technologysmart-wheelchairrobotic-dogsassistive-technologyneural-implantsThe future will be explained to you in Palo Alto
The article previews the final StrictlyVC event of 2025, hosted by PlayGround Global in Palo Alto, which brings together leading innovators working on groundbreaking technologies before they become widely recognized. Highlighted speakers include Nicholas Kelez, a particle accelerator physicist developing next-generation semiconductor manufacturing tools to reduce reliance on expensive European laser machines; Mina Fahmi and Kirak Hong, creators of the Stream Ring, a device designed to extend cognitive capabilities by capturing whispered thoughts; and Max Hodak, cofounder of Neuralink, who is advancing “biohybrid” brain-computer interfaces that integrate stem-cell-seeded chips into brain tissue to help paralyzed individuals control devices with their minds. Hodak envisions transformative changes by 2035. The event also features venture capitalists Chi-Hua Chien and Elizabeth Weil, who have backed major tech successes like Twitter, Spotify, and TikTok. They argue that Silicon Valley is misreading the AI moment by focusing heavily on enterprise AI, while the
energysemiconductor-manufacturingparticle-accelerator-technologybrain-computer-interfacesbiohybrid-chipsneural-implantsadvanced-materialsNeuralink performs first-ever brain implant surgeries in Canada
Neuralink has successfully performed its first brain-computer interface implant surgeries in Canada, marking a significant expansion of its clinical trials beyond the United States and the United Kingdom. Two patients with cervical spinal cord injuries underwent robotic-assisted implantation of Neuralink’s wireless brain device at the University Health Network (UHN) in Toronto as part of the CAN-PRIME Study. This study aims to assess the safety of the implant and surgical robot, and to determine whether individuals with paralysis can use their thoughts to control external devices such as cursors, text messaging, or robotic arms. Recruitment for the study is ongoing, including patients with cervical spinal injuries or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The implants hold promise for dramatically improving the quality of life for people with paralysis by enabling them to perform everyday tasks like checking emails or using smart home devices through thought control. The surgeries underscore Canada’s growing prominence in neurotechnology research, with UHN recognized as a leading center for surgical innovation. Neuralink, founded by Elon
robotbrain-computer-interfaceneural-implantsneurotechnologyrobotic-surgeryassistive-technologywireless-devicesNeuralink’s Bid to Trademark ‘Telepathy’ and ‘Telekinesis’ Faces Legal Issues
Neuralink, the brain implant company co-founded by Elon Musk, has encountered legal challenges in its attempt to trademark the terms "Telepathy" and "Telekinesis." The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) rejected Neuralink’s applications due to prior filings by Wesley Berry, a computer scientist and co-founder of tech startup Prophetic, who submitted trademark applications for "Telepathy" in May 2023 and "Telekinesis" in August 2024. Berry’s applications, filed as “intent-to-use,” describe software analyzing EEG data to decode internal dialogue for device control, though he has not yet commercialized products under these names. Additionally, the USPTO cited an existing trademark for Telepathy Labs, a company offering voice and chatbot technology, in its refusal to advance Neuralink’s application for "Telepathy." Neuralink has been using the name "Telepathy" for its brain implant product designed to enable paralyzed individuals to operate phones and computers via thought.
robotbrain-computer-interfaceneural-implantswearable-technologyEEG-analysisassistive-technologyhuman-machine-interactionThe Very Real Case for Brain-Computer Implants
The article discusses the emerging and rapidly advancing technology of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), focusing on the competitive efforts of companies like Synchron to develop commercial implants that enable direct communication between the human brain and digital devices. These implants allow users to control computers or phones through thought alone, a concept once confined to science fiction but now becoming a tangible reality. The piece highlights the significance of this technology in Silicon Valley's tech landscape and its potential to transform human-computer interaction. Additionally, the content is drawn from an episode of WIRED’s podcast "Uncanny Valley," where hosts and guests explore the implications, challenges, and progress in the BCI field. While the transcript includes casual conversation and podcast logistics, the core takeaway centers on the promise and ongoing development of brain implants as a groundbreaking interface technology, underscoring a heated race among companies to bring effective, user-friendly BCIs to market. However, the article’s transcript is incomplete and somewhat fragmented, limiting detailed insights into technical specifics or broader
brain-computer-interfaceneurotechnologybiomedical-implantshuman-machine-interactionneural-implantsbrain-computer-communicationmedical-technologyTofu-like brain implant lets scientists track cyborg tadpole growth
Bioengineering researchers at Harvard SEAS have developed a soft, stretchable, tofu-like neural implant that can be integrated into the nervous system of live tadpole embryos to monitor brain development from its earliest stages. The implant, made from fluorinated elastomers that mimic the softness and flexibility of biological tissue, is embedded into the neural plate—the flat precursor to the brain and spinal cord—and can record electrical activity from individual neurons with millisecond precision without disrupting normal development or behavior. This innovation enables continuous, stable tracking of neural activity throughout the complex folding and formation of the brain, offering unprecedented insight into early brain development. The technology addresses a critical gap, as current methods cannot noninvasively monitor neural activity during early embryonic stages when disorders such as autism, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia may originate. By leveraging the natural growth process, the implant can expand with the developing brain, potentially allowing widespread sensor implantation across the 3D brain structure. This advancement builds on previous work with soft bioelectronics in organ
bioelectronicsneural-implantsbrain-developmentbioengineeringfluorinated-elastomerssoft-roboticsneural-monitoringA Neuralink Rival Just Tested a Brain Implant in a Person
Paradromics, an Austin-based neurotechnology company founded in 2015, has conducted its first human test of Connexus, a brain implant designed to restore speech and communication in people with paralysis caused by spinal cord injury, stroke, or ALS. The device translates neural signals into synthesized speech, text, and cursor control by recording electrical activity from individual neurons via 420 tiny electrodes embedded in the brain tissue. The initial human implantation occurred on May 14 at the University of Michigan during epilepsy surgery, where the device was temporarily inserted into the temporal lobe using a specialized EpiPen-like tool. This procedure allowed researchers to confirm the device’s ability to capture neural signals with high resolution, which is critical for accurately decoding intended speech. Connexus is part of a growing field of brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies, including Elon Musk’s Neuralink and Synchron, which also develop implants to interpret neural signals but differ in electrode design and signal resolution. Unlike other devices that record from groups of neurons, Paradromics’ implant targets individual neurons to achieve higher-quality signals. BCIs do not read private thoughts but decode neural patterns associated with intended movements, such as facial muscle activity involved in speech. Recent studies from Stanford and UC San Francisco have demonstrated the ability to decode intended speech at rates approaching half of normal speaking speed in paralyzed individuals. Paradromics aims to launch a clinical trial by the end of 2023 to implant Connexus long-term in patients with paralysis, advancing toward commercial availability despite the regulatory and technical challenges of fully implantable brain devices.
robotbrain-computer-interfaceneural-implantsmedical-devicesneurotechnologyassistive-technologybiomedical-engineering