China has moved ahead of Elon Musk's Neuralink in the race to commercialise brain-computer interface technology. The country approved what is being described as the world's first commercially available brain chip, called NEO, after successful clinical trials, according to a report by Business-Today citing the New York Times.
The Technology Behind NEO
Developed by researchers at Beijing's Tsinghua University and Shanghai-based Neuracle Technology, the coin-sized NEO implant is designed to sit between the skull and the brain. Eight sensors are placed against the dura mater, the brain's protective outer membrane, reducing the invasiveness of the procedure. The device captures brain signals and sends them to nearby computers, where they are translated into digital commands. According to reports, 36 patients have already tested the device with positive results. Researchers believe the less-invasive approach may help reduce some of the medical risks traditionally associated with brain implants.
| Feature | NEO (China) | Neuralink N1 (USA) |
|---|---|---|
| Invasiveness | Sits between skull and brain; electrodes on dura mater | Electrodes penetrate cerebral cortex |
| Clinical testing | 36 patients tested | Continuing human trials in US |
| Regulatory status | Approved for commercial use in China | Not yet broad regulatory approval |
Elon Musk's 'Jesus-Level Technology' Claim
The development comes as Musk's Neuralink continues human trials in the United States but is yet to receive broad regulatory approval for commercial use. Speaking via video link at an event in Israel this week, Musk argued that his company does not receive enough recognition for its achievements. "Restoring control of people who are tetraplegics and restoring sight, I think, are pretty big deals," Musk said. "They're sort of what I might call Jesus-level technologies," he added. Neuralink has said its implants could eventually allow users to type, move a computer cursor, and operate devices using only their thoughts.
Potential Applications and Concerns
The first version of NEO is aimed at helping patients with spinal cord injuries and paralysis regain control over parts of their nervous system. Researchers, technology companies, and investors see brain-computer interfaces as the beginning of a much larger shift in how humans interact with machines. Supporters envision a future where people could communicate digitally through thoughts or interact with machines without physical input. Experts say brain-computer interfaces could improve the lives of millions suffering from neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, stroke, and depression.
However, the technology has also raised concerns about privacy, security, and safety. Griffith University cybersecurity expert Dr David Tuffley warned that the devices could "theoretically allow hackers to access sensitive neural data, such as patients' thoughts and memories." He added: "Hacking may also enable them to impair a patient's cognitive functions such as the ability to concentrate, or even manipulate motor signals to affect how well they move. That's a scary prospect, especially if these devices become more common." Despite rapid progress, researchers caution that brain implants still face significant biological hurdles.
The approval of NEO marks a pivotal moment for neurotechnology, with China taking an early lead in commercialising a field that could redefine human-machine interaction.
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