BCIwiki — Brain-computer interface news, research and industry database

Chinese registry ChiCTR2400081380 describes a 96-patient trial of an implantable closed-loop recording and stimulation system for focal drug-resistant epilepsy in people aged 6 to 70. All participants are to receive the implant and then be randomized one month later to active or sham stimulation, 48 per group. The registry provides no evidence that enrollment had passed 50%.

A randomized clinical trial called BCI-REHAB compared an at-home brain-computer interface (BCI) therapy system with a home exercise program for upper-extremity rehabilitation in chronic stroke survivors. The trial, conducted in the United States, was first posted on July 28, 2023, last updated on August 12, 2026, and has a status of completed. The study used Neurolutions' IpsiHand Upper Extremity Rehabilitation System, which reads motor intentions via scalp electrodes and drives an exoskeleton hand device to facilitate repetitive hand movement training. The trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of BCI-based therapy versus standard exercise therapy and assess the potential for meaningful motor improvement in a home setting. The trial covered conditions including stroke, hemiparesis, spasticity as a sequela of stroke, and chronic stroke survivors with a plegic hand, but results have not yet been published.

The University of Texas at Austin has registered a study on ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05907343, testing whether non-invasive stimulation can strengthen cognitive control in older adults, enrolling both people with cognitive impairment and people without it. It asks whether theta burst stimulation, a form of transcranial magnetic stimulation, can restore a range of cognitive functions, and whether delivering it in closed loop, timed to ongoing brain activity rather than on a fixed schedule, changes the result.

The US Bureau of Industry and Security announced a two-day hybrid BCI conference with industry and academic experts, following its 2021 export-control inquiry.

The FDA granted Breakthrough Device designation to Blackrock Neurotech's MoveAgain BCI System on November 16, 2021. The investigational system combines an implanted array, neural decoding and wireless output with the goal of allowing people with severe paralysis to control digital and assistive devices. The designation can expedite development and review but is not market approval.

The US Bureau of Industry and Security published a 2021 advance notice seeking comments on export controls for BCI as an emerging technology, focused on national security.

Chile's Ley 21.383, published in 2021, amended Article 19 of the Constitution to require special protection of brain activity, a world first.

The VA Office of Research and Development is conducting a clinical trial to characterize proprioceptive sensations in the missing limb of upper limb amputees using nerve stimulation and to develop advanced controllers for moving a prosthesis. The trial uses Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), applying small electric currents to the nerves, and tests different stimulation placements. The trial is registered as NCT04947462 and is currently recruiting.

The FDA issued final guidance in 2021 on implanted brain-computer interface (BCI) devices for patients with paralysis or amputation, covering nonclinical testing and clinical study design.

The OECD Council adopted the Recommendation on Responsible Innovation in Neurotechnology in December 2019, guiding governments with nine principles.