By
Unlike Elon Musk's Neuralink brain implants, the new bionic hand generation by BrainCo uses subcutaneous nerve impulses to command the prosthetic limb.
The BrainCo brain-computer interface (BCI) company has recently demonstrated the newest generation of its bionic limb that allows amputees to achieve precise movements without resorting to surgery with Elon Musk's Neuralink brain implants.
The BrainCo bionic hand in calligraphy action. (Image source: SCMP)
The second edition of BrainCo's commercialized bionic hand device was shown to Hong Kong's leader during a visit to Hangzhou, when he witnessed how amputees shake hands with ease, play the piano, and even do calligraphy.
Using the myoelectric concept, the prosthetic hand detects subcutaneous nerve signals and reacts accordingly. The new bionic limb generation can make movements with a sub-millimeter level of precision and takes about 30 seconds for an amputee to put on.
The prosthetic hand is now equipped with a standard USB-C port, too, allowing for faster and more convenient charging on the go.
Founded at Harvard with headquarters in Massachusetts, BrainCo has a research and production lab in Hangzhou that is part of the so-called Six Little Dragons startup agglomeration there, headlined by none other than DeepSeek AI.
Using AI-powered algorithms, the researchers at BrainCo managed to determine the optimal number of electrodes that have to be used to achieve a certain level of movement precision that is enough for performing daily duties with their bionic hand.
This allowed them to craft a device that is much cheaper to produce than competitive myoelectric devices like the i-Limb series of storied prosthetic company Össur that also crafts popular recovery products like the Formfit Wrist Brace that treats tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome, for instance.
The non-invasive BCI company also produces bionic legs that have allowed amputees to not only walk again, but also take part in fitness and surfing competitions. The team has developed a bionic hand kit that it calls the NeuroMaker, which is used in STEM classes for education and research purposes.
