In an unprecedented livestream, the first human Neuralink brain chip recipient, Noland Arbaugh, a 29-year-old quadriplegic, shared his initial experiences with the revolutionary technology. Neuralink, a company co-founded by Elon Musk, has made significant waves with its brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, which aims to augment human capabilities and address neurological disorders.
Arbaugh, paralyzed from the shoulders down after a diving accident approximately eight years ago, has become the face of Neuralink’s human trials. During the livestream, the world saw him control a computer cursor and play chess, just by using his mind. “It’s like using the Force on a cursor,” Arbaugh described, drawing parallels to the ‘Star Wars’ universe where the Jedi wield telekinetic abilities. He continued, “I could get it to move wherever I wanted, just stare somewhere on the screen and it would move where I wanted it to, which was such a wild experience the first time it happened.”
The chip has not only enabled him to engage in a digital game of chess but also to dive into the extensive world of “Civilization VI,” a video game that was previously inaccessible to him due to his condition. “Now I can literally just lie in bed and play to my heart’s content. Honestly, the biggest restriction at this point was having to wait for the implant to charge once I used all of it,” he revealed.
While Arbaugh expressed that the chip was “not perfect” and admitted they have “run into some issues,” he emphasized that there had been no “cognitive impairments” since the surgery. In fact, he was released from the hospital just a day after the procedure. The chip, described as the size of a quarter, has dozens of tiny thread-like electrodes and was placed in the part of the brain that controls movement.
Despite the progress, Arbaugh was careful to temper expectations: “I don’t want people to think that this is the end of the journey. There’s a lot of work to be done, but it has already changed my life.” His candidness offers a balanced view of the technology’s current stage, acknowledging both its transformative potential and its nascent state.
Neuralink, which started recruiting participants in September following FDA approval in May, seems to be making strides in the competitive BCI space, albeit with some scrutiny. It previously faced accusations of violating the Animal Welfare Act but was cleared of these except for a self-reported incident in 2019.
The excitement around Arbaugh’s experience is palpable, with him stating, “It’s crazy. It really is. It’s so cool,” and sharing his plans to dress up as Professor X for Halloween, a nod to the wheelchair-bound telepath from the Marvel comics. His daily revelations point to a continuous learning curve with the device, signaling a hopeful future for BCI applications.
Neuralink’s approach to sharing Arbaugh’s story through a controlled video testimony contrasts with peer-reviewed research publications. This raises discussions about the authenticity and verifiability of such claims. Nevertheless, the FDA’s approval for human trials suggests a significant milestone for the technology, with patient safety and efficacy being central considerations.
The unveiling of Arbaugh’s experience is not only a personal victory but a beacon for the potential of BCIs to impact the lives of those with severe mobility challenges. While the road ahead is filled with technical and ethical considerations, the intersection of human resilience and technological innovation continues to push the boundaries of what was once science fiction, into tangible reality.
Relevant articles:
– Neuralink reveals first human-trial patient, a 29-year-old quadriplegic who says brain chip is ‘not perfect’ but has changed his life
– First Patient with Neuralink Brain Chip Can Play Video Games with His Mind: ‘It’s Crazy’, PEOPLE, Thu, 21 Mar 2024 19:51:55 GMT
– Elon Musk’s Neuralink patient Noland Arbaugh plays video games using his mind, Fortune, Thu, 21 Mar 2024 13:33:00 GMT
– Musk’s Neuralink hosts livestream showing quadriplegic playing online chess, Al Jazeera English, Thu, 21 Mar 2024 03:46:32 GMT