Science defeats paralysis: implants and robot control by the power of thought

The Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligent Technology (CEBSIT) has announced a global breakthrough: a patient with a severe spinal cord injury has, for the first time, stably controlled several robots via an implanted brain–computer interface (BCI). “Mr. Zhang,” paralyzed below the neck for three years after a fall in 2022, has returned to work and everyday life.

At Huashan Hospital of Fudan University on June 20, Zhang was implanted with the WRS01 BCI. A sensory module 5–8 mm in diameter with flexible electrodes is implanted in the brain, and the processor chip is fixed in a skull channel 3–5 mm wide. A wireless helmet with power supply and receiver provides communication — the electrodes connect automatically.

After 2–3 weeks of training, Zhang learned to control a cursor, a tablet, robot dogs for delivering food, to meet couriers and to ride in a smart wheelchair. As a trainee sorter, he remotely checks goods in vending machines. “More than three years have passed since the accident, and now I can finally work again. It is a bit difficult, but for me this is an invaluable opportunity,” he shared.

The BCI response time is less than 100 ms, which is lower than the natural delay of neurons (200 ms). The brain adapts: activity concentrates on efficient neurons, reducing the load and making control intuitive. “The study has confirmed the safety of the electrodes, their long‑term stability and signal accuracy,” said academician Pu Muming, head of CEBSIT.

“Right now I am inspired by the sound of connection — it has restored what was torn apart,” Zhang admitted. Based on the data, WRS02 with 256 channels is being developed. While Neuralink (an American neurotechnology company founded by Elon Musk in 2016, whose goal is to develop implantable brain–computer interfaces that allow the brain to communicate directly with computers and other devices) is teaching patients to play games, China has brought the technology into practical use. This is reported by Naukatv.ru.