China's NEO brain chip approved for paralyzed patients' use
Paralyzed patient writes name after 11 months training with NEO chip
Chinese regulators have approved NEO, the world's first invasive neurotechnological brain-computer interface (BCI) chip, permitting its use beyond clinical trials. Designed for patients aged 18 to 60, the device has already shown remarkable results: Dong Hui, 39, paralyzed from the neck down, wrote his own name after 11 months of daily training. On the ninth day, he could pick up a ball without a glove. The approval process was accelerated due to NEO's less-invasive design—its sensors do not penetrate the cerebral cortex—according to researcher Avinash Singh of the University of Technology Sydney.
NEO is now included in China's national insurance system, reflecting government support for BCI development under its five-year plan. The next milestone is Beinao-1, slated for approval in 2028. This rapid regulatory pathway positions China as a leader in neurotechnology, offering hope to millions with paralysis while raising ethical and safety questions about widespread invasive chip deployment.
- NEO is the first invasive BCI approved for use outside clinical trials in China.
- Patient Dong Hui, paralyzed from neck down, wrote his name after 11 months of training and picked up a ball on day nine.
- The chip's sensors are less invasive as they do not penetrate the cerebral cortex; it's covered by China's insurance system.
Why It Matters
China's rapid BCI approval sets a global precedent for neurotechnology regulation and insurance coverage.