China Implants Brain Chips in 3 Patients

China has successfully implanted a brain chip in three patients and plans to expand trials to ten more individuals this year.

The initiative, led by a partnership between a Chinese research institute and a technology company, aims to accelerate the development of brain-computer interface technology, potentially surpassing efforts by companies such as Neuralink.

The wireless brain chip, known as Binao 1, was implanted in three patients last month through a minimally invasive procedure. According to researchers, this technology could pave the way for broader applications in neuroscience and assistive technologies.

The team behind the project has set a goal to conduct clinical trials on 50 patients next year after securing regulatory approval.

The rapid pace of development reflects China's determination to compete with global leaders in neurotechnology. Synchron, a US-based company backed by investors including Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, has conducted trials on ten patients across the United States and Australia.

Meanwhile, Neuralink, owned by Elon Musk, is currently testing its brain chip on three patients, focusing on wireless implant technology.

Unlike some competitors, which prioritize fully implantable wireless chips, Chinese researchers are also exploring semi-invasive approaches that minimize the risk of brain tissue damage.

This method sacrifices some signal quality but reduces potential complications associated with invasive surgeries.

Recent footage released by Chinese state media showcased paralyzed patients using the Binao 1 chip to control robotic arms and interact with digital screens through thought alone.

Since the announcement of successful human trials, the research institute has received a large number of inquiries from individuals seeking treatment.

China's progress in brain-computer interface technology has accelerated significantly in recent years. Last year, researchers successfully implanted a different brain chip, Binao 2, in a monkey, enabling it to operate a robotic arm.

Scientists are now working on a wireless version of the Binao 2 chip, similar to Neuralink’s technology, with the first human trial expected within the next 12 to 18 months.

As global competition intensifies in neurotechnology, China’s advancements signal a shift in the landscape of brain-computer interface research.

With ongoing developments in wireless brain chips and expanding human trials, the country is positioning itself as a major player in the field.