China Advances Rapidly in Brain-Computer Interface Race, Rivaling Neuralink
China has made tremendous strides in developing brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and is well-positioned to become a viable competitor to Elon Musk’s Neuralink. With a combination of state support, clinical achievements, and fast prototyping, China is making remarkable advances in human-Machine integration.
The Beijing Institute for Brain Research and NeuCyber NeuroTech have already implanted a semi-invasive chip called Beinao-1 in three patients, including a female ALS patient who was able to communicate via tablet with nothing but her thoughts. There are now more of these implants planned for in 2023, and an invasive version is planned to begin trials (Beinao-2) in 18 months.
Also worth mentioning is Fudan University, which has been leading the nation with the first real invasive BCI trial. A paralyzed patient was able to play a game with nothing but brain signals. A key factor that contributed to this was the Chinese surgical robot “CyberSense,” which allows surgeons to position the electrodes in a safe and precise manner.
For the United States, BCI brain-computer interface research is largely private; however, China’s BCI research is state driven as part of the China Brain Project. The state centralization has allowed for much greater speed in scale and expanded clinical trials.
Chinese companies are also moving into the consumer aspect of the market. For example, BrainCo is creating headset bands for focus training and rehabilitation, sending a clear message that China would like to lead in any capacity of brain-tech, and not only in terms of science but also in commercialization.
With development like these, China is closing the gap to Neuralink and will certainly lead the brain-tech innovation space.
