China beats Elon Musk's 'Jesus-level technology' to launch world's first commercial brain chip

New Delhi ( Abhishek Singh ) : China has moved ahead of Elon Musk's 'Jesus-level technology' Neuralink in the race to commercialise brain-computer interface technology, approving what is being described as the world's first commercially available brain chip after successful clinical trials.

The coin-sized implant, called NEO, has become the first surgically implanted brain-computer interface (BCI) device to clear clinical testing for commercial use, according to the New York Times report.

Developed by researchers at Beijing's Tsinghua University and Shanghai-based Neuracle Technology, the device is expected to enter mass production for China's state-run healthcare system.

The first version of NEO is aimed at helping patients with spinal cord injuries and paralysis regain control over parts of their nervous system.

But researchers, technology companies and investors see brain-computer interfaces as the beginning of a much larger shift in how humans interact with machines.

The development comes as Musk's Neuralink continues human trials in the United States but is yet to receive broad regulatory approval for commercial use.