China has completed its first clinical trial of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, becoming the second country after the United States to do so, according to the state-run Global Times.

The trial involved a wireless invasive implant in a tetraplegic patient in March.

Researchers from the Shanghai-based Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology reported that the patient was able to control electronic devices within weeks of the procedure. This included playing computer games using only their thoughts.

The implant used in the trial measures 26 millimeters in diameter and less than 6 millimeters in thickness.

It is described as the smallest of its kind and over 100 times more flexible than a version developed by US-based Neuralink.

Future plans include enabling the patient to control a robotic arm to perform tasks like grasping and holding objects.

🔗 Source: Bloomberg

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ BCI technology reaching clinical milestones after decades of development

China’s achievement represents a significant step in a field that has evolved substantially since its beginnings in the 1970s, when BCI research first emerged.

The current wave of clinical trials, approximately 25 worldwide with companies like Neuralink and Synchron leading efforts, marks a crucial transition from laboratory research to practical applications 1.

This development follows decades of progressive improvements in both invasive and non-invasive BCI systems, with researchers working to balance the superior signal quality of invasive methods against their surgical risks 2.

The field has gradually expanded from basic control functions to more complex applications like prosthetic limb operation, demonstrating steady technological advancement despite significant challenges 3.

China’s announcement that their device could reach the market by 2028 aligns with industry projections of accelerating commercialization, as the global BCI market is expected to grow from $2.94 billion in 2025 to $12.40 billion by 2034 4.

2️⃣ Medical impact of BCIs extends beyond mobility to communication restoration

While China’s trial demonstrates gaming and chess capabilities, recent BCI advancements have shown promising results for communication restoration, potentially transforming life for severely disabled patients.