Noland Arbaugh became paralyzed below his shoulders after being involved in a car accident in 2016, and eight years later, he became the first person to receive a Neuralink chip.
Neurosurgeons implanted a Neuralink chip, which is the size of a coin, into different areas of Nolan’s brain tissue.
The chip contained 64 flexible threads, each thinner than a human hair. It works as a ‘brain computer interface’ (BCI) that detects electrical impulses generated when a person thinks about moving. These signals are converted into digital form, enabling Noland to operate a computer using his mind.
During a live-streamed demonstration, Noland played chess and other online games without physically moving. He described the experience as feeling like using “Force powers” from Star Wars.
“I honestly didn’t know what to expect—it sounds so sci-fi,” he told the BBC. “I grew up playing games,” he added.
“Now, I’m beating my friends at games, which shouldn’t even be possible, but it is.
“… We know so little about the brain, and this technology is helping us learn so much more.”
At one point, Noland encountered issues when the chip disconnected from his brain. However, Neuralink restored its functionality after making adjustments to their algorithm.
Discussing Neuralink, the company Musk co-founded in 2016 to develop brain-machine interfaces and treat neurological conditions—ultimately aiming to merge human cognition with AI—the tech billionaire wrote on X, “In the long run, it may be possible to bypass damaged parts of the spine by redirecting signals from the brain’s motor cortex, allowing people to walk again and regain normal arm function.”
Neuralink stated, “Our current focus is on refining cursor control to match the precision of able-bodied individuals and expanding functionality to include text entry.”
“In the future, we aim to extend the Link’s capabilities to the physical world, enabling control of robotic arms, wheelchairs, and other assistive technologies that can enhance independence for people with quadriplegia.”
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