China Begins Human Trials of Advanced Brain Implant Allowing Amputee to Control Cursor with His Mind

China has become the second country in the world to begin human trials of an advanced invasive brain-computer interface (BCI), according to a report by state broadcaster CCTV.

The initial trial involves a 37-year-old man who lost all four limbs in a high-voltage electrical accident more than a decade ago. In March, researchers surgically implanted a coin-sized BCI device along with electrodes into his brain. Just weeks later, he was able to control a computer cursor using only his thoughts—enabling him to play chess, browse online, and even game with near-normal proficiency, CCTV reported.

Figure 1.Control Cursor with His Mind.

World's Smallest, Most Flexible Electrode

Starting this year, the research team plans to begin small-scale clinical trials with patients who have paralysis or ALS, with ambitions to expand to up to 40 participants by 2026. The effort is being led by the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Centre for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, in partnership with Shanghai’s Huashan Hospital at Fudan University and multiple industry collaborators, according to the South China Morning Post. Figure 1 shows Control Cursor with His Mind.

Chinese media highlight that the electrode used in the trial is the smallest and most flexible of its kind globally. Developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the electrode is just 1/100th the width of a human hair and only one-fifth the thickness of those used in Elon Musk’s Neuralink [1]. Professor Zhao Zhengtao explained that its flexibility allows it to move with the brain's natural shifts, causing minimal disruption to surrounding neurons. Each tip of the electrode contains 32 sensors capable of detecting brain signals while maintaining long-term compatibility with brain tissue without triggering immune rejection.

From Brain Signals to Robotic Control

Prior to human testing, the implant underwent rigorous safety and performance evaluations on mice and macaques. The complete device measures 26mm in diameter and 6mm thick. During the operation, surgeons thinned a small section of the patient’s skull above the motor cortex and made a 5mm opening to insert the electrode.

Advanced pre-surgical scans produced a detailed 3D map of the patient’s brain, allowing for precise planning. During surgery, real-time navigation ensured millimeter-level accuracy in placing the electrode for maximum effectiveness.

In the coming months, the research team will begin training the patient to control robotic arms, aiming to help him perform everyday tasks like grasping and manipulating objects. The study could pave the way for broader applications of BCI technology in restoring mobility and function for individuals with severe physical impairments.

Reference:

1. https://interestingengineering.com/science/china-tests-neural-implant-amputee-move-cursor

Cite this article:

Keerthana S (2025), Chinese Researchers Test Neural Implant Enabling Amputee to Control Cursor Using Only Their Mind, AnaTechMaz, pp.336