Brain Implant Clinical Trials Surge as Number of Volunteers Doubles Since 2024
The rapid increase in trial participants and China's regulatory approval signal that BCI technology is moving from small-scale experiments toward broader clinical validation.
Reporting from 1 sources: ASCII.jp.
The number of people with implanted brain-computer interface electrodes has more than doubled since 2024, reaching about 150, as clinical trials accelerate. China became the first country to approve BCIs for medical use in 2026. One volunteer, ALS patient Casey Harrell, has used his implant for three years to speak, browse the web, and work as a climate activist.
The number of people with implanted brain-computer interface electrodes has more than doubled since 2024, reaching about 150, as clinical trials accelerate worldwide. China became the first country to approve BCIs for medical use in 2026. One volunteer, ALS patient Casey Harrell, has used his implant for three years to speak, browse the web, and work as a climate activist. Researchers at the University of California, Davis have worked with Harrell since his implant in July 2023, improving recognition accuracy and adding features such as a privacy mode and a profanity filter. Harrell called the device 'absolutely revolutionary' and said it lets him maintain his income, reconnect with family, and read books to his daughter. The technology remains experimental, with questions about who can benefit and how long the devices will last.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 1 cited source below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.
Sources
- ASCII.jp 脳インプラントの臨床試験が急増、BCIはついに離陸期に