Introduction
From sci-fi to reality: China’s neurotechnology brain chip trials signal a new era of human enhancement. The China Institute for Brain Research (CIBR) has taken a major step forward in the field of brain-computer interfaces (BCI) with the help of the Chinese Institute for Brain Research (CIBR) and NeuCyber NeuroTech.
They have expressed a plan to use the Beinao No.1 brain chip on 13 people in China. It may be one of a kind, letting China nature the human testing phase more than Elon Musk’s Neuralink, showing China’s commitment to head neurotech development.
China’s Fast-Tracked Brain Chip Trials
CIBR and NeuCyber boast about the fact that in just a month a semi-invasive, wireless brain chip has been inserted into three patients. Apart from that, 10 new patients will be implanted by the end of this year.
The team, which is operated by Dr. Luo Minmin, powered by NeuCyber, the projects’ main scientist, intending to gather the data of patients and the experiences of various clinics, is beyond the competition.
Even more massive NeuroCyber looks to the future. Once the regulatory approval is given, they want to make the number of patients 50 in the next year and this record will be the highest in the brain chip human trials globally.
China’s Determination to Dominate BCI Technology
This move up will be the sign of China’s consistent efforts to stand side by side with the global BCI innovators, for example with:
Synchron (a company co-owned by Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates), that has the lead and has the highest number of people in the world on trials — 10 patients.
Neuralink (with only 3 human trial participants hitherto).
Beinao No.1 chip and Neuralink means a contrast in the way they go about solving the problem. Neuralink, for instance, is about the size of a hard drive and is implanted as well as direct to the brain for a stronger signal, whereas the Beinao No.1 is partially invasive and located on the surface of the brain.
That, on the one hand, presents a lower possibility of damage and discomfort using patients’ own cells, on the other hand, there are still some minor risks with the surgical process.
Breakthroughs in Brain Chip Technology
Chinese state media has released videos demonstrating their achievements made together with Beinao No.1 which dramatically affect the lives of disabled people by making it possible for them to control a robotic arm, pour water and even transmit their thoughts onto a computer screen.
This progress is so impressive that it has become a focal point of much interest, on the part of many individuals who are seeking to use the technology for medical reasons.
CIBR and NeuCyber have also announced that they are working on a wireless version of Beinao No.2, a more advanced chip similar to Neuralink’s chip, which they say is going to human trials within the next 12-18 months.
The Future of Beinao Brain Chips
China’s brain chip project is also raising interest among investors. Synchron, for example, has recently joined forces with Nvidia to add AI to their products and is now involved with forward-thinking investors in funding the extra development of BCIs, the CIBR and the NeuCyber disclosed.
As NeuCyber is the one that still concentrates on medical breakthroughs over profit, Luo insisted that Beinao is not linked to the Chinese military and that it is majorly used to aid paralyzed patients.
Conclusion
China’s brain chip project is taking such leaps and bounds that Beinao No. 1 is becoming the principal among the implanted BCI in the world.
In case of successful expansion of trials and introduction of Beinao No.2 by NeuCyber, China might leave others behind and even outdo the technology leaders such as Neuralink and Synchron in the global neurotechnology race.
The point remains that China’s bid for BCI innovation is stronger than it has ever been, although there are still challenges to be solved.
FAQs
1. What is Beinao No.1?
Beinao No.1 is a semi-invasive wireless brain chip made by CIBR and NeuCyber NeuroTech to assist patients with paralysis, learning how to control devices using their thoughts.
2. How does Beinao No.1 compare to Neuralink?
Unlike Neuralink’s full invasive chip, Beinao No.1 is semi-invasive and is positioned close to the brain’s surface. Although it decreases the risks, it also results in some signal weakening.
3. How many patients have received Beinao No.1 so far?
Already three patients have been implanted, and another 10 are on the list to be done by the end of the year.
4. What are China’s plans for expanding brain chip trials?
NeuCyber is planning to do the bigger clinical trial next year with 50 patients after the approval of the regulatory bodies.
5. What is Beinao No.2?
Beinao No.2 is an advanced totally new wireless brain chip chip that is designed to perform the same functions as Neuralink’s chip and will be used in a human trial in the next 12-18 months.
6. Does Beinao No.1 have military applications?
NeuCyber was quite certain that Beinao has military connections. It is, however, fully committed to uncovering the solution to paralysis through medical applications.
