Paralyzed Patient Stands Again: A Systemic Breakthrough in Closed-Loop Spinal Neural Interface Technology

This is the first time in China that a person with complete paraplegia has achieved autonomous standing and walking movements through a neural interface system.

In March 2025, Genlight Neurotech assisted the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, in collaboration with the Nanhu Brain-Machine Interface Research Institute, the National Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, and the College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, in completing China's first "closed-loop spinal cord neural interface" implant surgery. This marks not only a significant breakthrough in the field of neural repair but also a redefinition of the boundaries of human body control.

From "Despair" to "Walking": Functional Validation of a Closed-Loop Neural Interface.

In October 2024, Mr. Jin, 60, accidentally fell during a roof operation, resulting in a burst fracture of the thoracic vertebrae. He was diagnosed withComplete Spinal Cord Injury, multiple doctors explicitly statedUnable to Restore Walking FunctionHis daughter, Xiaojin, did not give up. After learning that spinal cord neural interfaces might bring hope for the recovery of motor functions, she proactively signed her father up for a clinical trial.

In March 2025, Mr. Jin underwent a "closed-loop spinal cord neural interface" implant surgery at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine. During the surgery, doctors implanted a 16-contact spinal cord stimulation electrode in his lumbar region and placed an additional component in his abdomen.Matchbox-sized Wireless Charging Stimulator, building a neurofeedback system based on electromyographic feedback.

The postoperative recovery process validated the feasibility and stability of the system.：

• Day 3 Post-Operation: Able to lift knee independently

• Week 1 post-operation: Sitting up and moving both legs independently

• 3-4 weeks post-operation: First standing achieved with the aid of assistive devices

• Week 5 post-operation: Walking training can be performed with the assistance of a walker.

• Week 6 post-operation: Stable gait, bowel function restored, urinary function improved

• Week 8 post-operation: First independent continuous walk of over 100 meters

• Currently: Has entered the stage of daily life function recovery training.

Mr. Jin's experience has brought new hope for rehabilitation to approximately 3.7 million spinal cord injury patients across China.

From the Brain to the Spinal Cord: Building a Universal Closed-Loop Neural Interface Technology Platform

The closed-loop spinal cord neural interface system implanted this time adopts a multi-modal design, condensing GenLight's years of technical accumulation in the brain-computer interface field. The system integrates a 16-contact stimulation electrode, a fully implantable rechargeable spinal cord stimulator, wireless electromyographic signal acquisition equipment, and self-developed control software, featuring key capabilities such as precise electrical stimulation output, flexible contact configuration, and closed-loop feedback regulation.

Dr. Peng Cao, Founder of Genlight NeurotechSaid: "GenLight has always been committed to the breakthrough and application of cutting-edge brain-computer interface technology in the field of neuromodulation, building a universal closed-loop neural interface technology platform to bring innovative products to more patients with neurological dysfunction. The closed-loop spinal cord neural interface system implanted this time is another successful attempt by us."

The closed-loop neural interface technology platform was first applied to GenLight's epilepsy treatment project, namely the brain-computer interface device "Closed-Loop Neurostimulation System Epilcure." The system monitors and decodes brain electrical signals in real time through electrodes implanted in the brain. Upon detecting abnormal epileptic signals, it immediately delivers electrical stimulation to intervene in epileptic electrical activity, achieving therapeutic effects in suppressing epileptic seizures.

This time, the closed-loop architecture was transplanted from the brain to the spinal cord, reconstructing the therapeutic paradigm from brain signal → stimulation feedback to electromyographic signal → stimulation feedback.

The system has a high degree of versatility., and has currently expanded toAssisting ALS Patients in Controlling Robotic ArmsSuch scenarios validate its broad adaptability across different neurological dysfunctions.

Mr. Jin's small step today is a significant stride for GenLight.General Closed-Loop Neural Interface Technology PlatformA significant step forward in the field of spinal cord stimulation.

The core value of this technology lies in helping users move from "passive acceptance" to "active control." The system does not replace human will, but rather gradually rebuilds the user's control over their limbs through the precise coupling of neural stimulation and electromyographic feedback.Proprioception and Active Control Ability。

Perhaps this is the ultimate significance of neural interfaces: they are not only a medical device, but also aTools for Extending Capabilities Beyond Biological BoundariesIn an era where technologies such as brain-computer interfaces, artificial intelligence, and gene editing are rapidly converging, every decoding of neural signals is writing new code for the "Human 2.0" operating system.

At Genlight, we have always adhered toPatient-CenteredCarry out systematic design to make the product function in scenarios where people truly need it. We, atSafety, Reliability, and AvailabilityBased on fundamental engineering principles, ensuring that the technology not only serves the present but also assumes future responsibilities.

Every breakthrough in technology is inseparable from the trust and commitment of real individuals behind it.

Thanks to Uncle Jin and his daughter, whose courage has turned the "Human Interface Revolution" from a futurist vision into a reality that is happening now.