Safe, Wireless, and Fully Inside: China Tests Its First Fully Implanted Brain-Computer Interface
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China's NeuroXess has successfully conducted the country's first human clinical trial of a fully implanted, wireless brain-computer interface. The system uses non-penetrating electrodes to enable thought-controlled digital interaction, prioritizing safety and offering performance competitive with leading global technologies.
Shanghai-based startup NeuroXess has successfully conducted China’s first clinical trial of a fully implantable, wireless brain-computer interface in a human patient. The 28-year-old participant, who had been paralyzed for eight years, was able to browse the web, play video games, and interact with his environment using only his thoughts—all without a single external wire or port, setting a new benchmark in BCI safety and integration.
Imagine controlling a smart home, communicating with loved ones, or engaging in digital life—just by thinking. For a 28-year-old man in Shanghai who has been paralyzed from the shoulders down for eight years, this is now a daily reality. Through a tiny, fully implanted brain device developed by NeuroXess, he can play online games, operate household devices, and even guide assistive tools, all driven by intention alone. This marks China’s first human trial of a “triple-full” BCI—fully implanted, fully wireless, and fully functional—with the patient achieving meaningful control only days after surgery.
The procedure was designed to minimize risk and maximize comfort. Surgeons at Fudan University’s Huashan Hospital placed the entire system—including battery, processors, and communications module—completely inside the body. With no external cables or skin-penetrating connectors, the design eliminates a major source of infection associated with earlier BCI technologies. The patient was out of intensive care within a day, and by day five, his thoughts were already translating into on-screen actions.
“What sets this system apart is its comprehensive safety architecture,” explained Dr. Tao Hu, founder of NeuroXess. “Everything is inside—no wires through the skin, no external hardware. Even the battery is placed in the chest, away from the brain, following principles from established deep brain stimulation therapy.”
The device uses flexible surface electrodes that rest on the brain without penetrating it, reducing the risk of neural damage while capturing clear, broad-coverage signals. A built-in rechargeable battery supports continuous operation, and can be wirelessly charged through the skin using a simple pad. This “inside-out” approach allows users to live normally, without being tethered to external equipment or worrying about accidental disconnections.
During the trial, the patient achieved a peak cursor control speed of over 5.2 bits per second (BPS)—competitive with global leaders—enabling smooth control of digital interfaces and smart devices. Beyond movement, NeuroXess has also demonstrated early success in real-time language decoding, translating brain activity into text or speech with the help of integrated AI models. This opens future possibilities for restoring speech and communication in patients with conditions such as ALS or aphasia.
A Safety-First Alternative in a Global Race
While companies like Neuralink have drawn attention with high-channel-depth implants, NeuroXess is pursuing a different priority: safety through minimally invasive design. Rather than inserting fine wires deep into brain tissue, NeuroXess uses surface-level electrodes distributed across multiple brain regions. This approach reduces surgical risk and long-term tissue damage, while still capturing diverse signals suitable for complex tasks like environment control and language processing.
The system’s architecture builds on clinically proven surgical frameworks, such as those used in deep brain stimulation, to enhance biocompatibility and long-term reliability. By keeping all components internal and wireless, NeuroXess avoids the infection and maintenance issues that have historically challenged percutaneous BCI systems.
“We chose a path that is first and foremost safe, open, and human-centered,” Dr. Tao noted. “This isn’t just about matching international performance—it’s about offering a more sustainable and patient-friendly solution.”
From Clinical Trial to Daily Living
For the participant, the implant has meant more than technological novelty—it has restored a sense of autonomy and connection. “It feels natural, like an extension of myself,” he shared. “There’s no lag, no bulky gear. I can just think, and things happen.”
Researchers see this trial as a meaningful step toward practical, daily-use BCIs that prioritize safety and quality of life. Over two months post-surgery, no infections or device failures have been reported—a promising indicator for long-term viability.
NeuroXess plans to expand clinical studies in the coming year, moving closer to regulatory approval and broader accessibility. As the global BCI field accelerates, this trial highlights a growing emphasis on safety-integrated design, offering a compelling alternative for patients, clinicians, and health systems seeking both performance and peace of mind.
In a field often captivated by speed and channel counts, NeuroXess is sending a clear signal: the most advanced interface is one you can live with safely—every day, wirelessly, and entirely on the inside.
