China’s Neural Electronic Opportunity (NEO) brain-computer interface system has achieved a major breakthrough in neurotechnology, showing its potential to restore motor functions in individuals with severe paralysis. Developed through a partnership between Tsinghua University and Shanghai Neuracle Medical Technology Co., Ltd., NEO is a wireless, minimally invasive device aimed at assisting patients with spinal cord injuries.
Clinical success stories
One of the most notable milestones came when a 38-year-old man named Dong, paralyzed for four years after a car accident, received a NEO implant at Huashan Hospital, affiliated with Fudan University. Surgeons placed a coin-sized device under his scalp, specifically targeting the motor-sensory region of his brain. Just a month after surgery, Dong regained enough control to perform daily tasks, such as lifting a cup of water using a thought-controlled prosthetic glove. The operation was completed in about 1 hour and 40 minutes, thanks to an online brain function localization system that significantly streamlined the process.
Another patient, who had been quadriplegic for 14 years, underwent a similar procedure at Xuanwu Hospital. After three months of home-based rehabilitation, the patient achieved over 90% accuracy in tasks like grasping a bottle using an air-driven glove controlled by brain signals. Clinical evaluations showed clear improvements in spinal cord injury scores and sensory-evoked potential responses, further highlighting NEO’s effectiveness.
Technological innovations driving NEO
Unlike systems such as Elon Musk’s Neuralink, NEO uses a semi-invasive method where electrodes are placed on the surface of the brain without penetrating neural tissue. This approach reduces the risk of brain damage, a critical advantage in long-term patient care. NEO operates wirelessly, transmitting brain signals to external devices without relying on internal batteries, which simplifies the implantation process and improves safety.
Looking ahead
Following these promising results, the team behind NEO plans to launch large-scale clinical trials in 2025. These trials are expected to involve 30 to 50 patients at around 10 medical centers across China. The focus will be on further refining the system’s performance, gathering essential data for regulatory approval, and moving toward eventual commercialization.
The development of NEO marks a major step forward in brain-computer interface technology, positioning China as a serious player in the race to enhance the lives of people with neurological impairments.
