Brazilian exoskeleton stroke therapy and China's first invasive brain‑computer implant approved

Scientists in Brazil developed a wearable exoskeleton system, TEPI, that lets a physiotherapist transmit leg movements directly to stroke patients during gait training. In a study of eight chronic stroke survivors, the robot‑assisted therapy produced greater ankle range, longer steps and higher foot clearance than conventional physiotherapy, though the approach requires two exoskeletons and remains costly.

China’s medical regulator gave the first commercial approval worldwide for an invasive brain‑computer interface made by Neuracle of Shanghai. The coin‑sized implant contains eight electrodes placed over the primary sensorimotor cortex and translates imagined hand movements into commands for a robotic glove, enabling a paralyzed patient to grasp objects after nine months of use. Similar BCI trials, such as Neuralink’s cursor‑control tests, are also mentioned.