China conducts world's first commercial implantation of invasive BCI
Chinese surgeons last month performed the world's first commercial operation to implant an invasive brain-computer interface in a patient with a spinal cord injury. This was reported by the South China Morning Post.
BCI implantation operation
During the procedure, the patient received an invasive brain-computer device, or BCI. The publication calls the operation an important milestone in the race to develop neurotechnologies, in which China is competing with US companies, including Elon Musk's Neuralink.
Brain-computer interfaces are designed to enable direct interaction between the brain and an external device. The article specifically concerns an invasive BCI device installed during surgery in a patient with a spinal cord injury.
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Insurance and education
This month, Chinese state-owned insurer PICC Property and Casualty launched the world's first commercial insurance policy covering BCI implantation surgery.
Also in September, the first undergraduate students are expected to begin studying a specialized degree in this field in China. These steps indicate the country's intention to develop brain-computer interfaces alongside the medical application of the technology.
