China becomes first to approve commercially available brain chip that helps paralyzed people control robotic hands through thought.
BEIJING: China has made history by becoming the first country to approve a brain chip you can buy. The chip, called NEO, was made by Neuracle Medical Technology. It helps people who cannot move their arms or legs control a robot hand with their thoughts.
The chip is about the size of a coin and sits inside your skull. Eight tiny wires go into your brain where it processes movement. When you imagine moving your hand, the chip sends signals to a computer. The computer then makes a robot hand pick up objects or move things.
The Chinese government tested NEO for 18 months with people aged 19 to 60 who had neck or spine injuries. The tests showed it is safe. Thirty-two people tried it and had no bad side effects. Now people can get the chip to help them do basic tasks like picking up a cup or using a fork.
This announcement comes just months after China announced plans to become the world leader in brain-computer technology within five years. Their plan includes making different types of brain devices you wear on your head like visors or glasses. They also want to test these in dangerous jobs like mining or working with nuclear power.
Brain chips can do more than help people move. Some can help people who cannot speak “talk” with their thoughts. Others help people operate computers without using their hands. Some are even starting to help blind people see. With NEO getting approved for sale, this technology is growing fast.