The first recipient of a Neuralink brain implant has shared new insights into his recovery and adaptation to life with this experimental assistive technology. This innovation has empowered him to participate in activities such as staying up all night playing a video game.
In January, Elon Musk, co-founder of Neuralink, announced on X the successful implantation of the company's first brain-computer interface in a human patient, who was reported to be recovering well.
Musk hinted at promising results, noting the detection of encouraging neural activity shortly after the surgery. Subsequent updates in February revealed the patient's full recovery, with the ability to control a computer cursor through thoughts alone.
On March 20, Neuralink shared a nine-minute livestream featuring Noland Arbaugh, the 29-year-old recipient of the implant, demonstrating its capabilities while playing digital chess. Arbaugh, a complete quadriplegic, expressed his enthusiasm.
Musk hinted at promising results, noting the detection of encouraging neural activity shortly after the surgery. Subsequent updates in February revealed the patient's full recovery, with the ability to control a computer cursor through thoughts alone.
On March 20, Neuralink shared a nine-minute livestream featuring Noland Arbaugh, the 29-year-old recipient of the implant, demonstrating its capabilities while playing digital chess. Arbaugh, a complete quadriplegic, expressed his enthusiasm.
“It was like using the force on the curser, and I could get it to move wherever I wanted; just stare somewhere at the screen, and it would move where I wanted it to, which was such a wild experience,” he explained.
Arbaugh volunteered for the trial, driven by the belief in its potential to “change the world.”
Arbaugh also mentioned his exploration of learning French and Japanese languages and overcoming reading barriers with the assistance of the implant. Despite acknowledging some challenges, he emphasized the life-changing impact of the technology.
Founded in 2016 by Elon Musk and a team of experts, Neuralink aims to develop brain-computer interfaces to address unmet medical needs. The procedure involves a surgical robot implanting ultra-thin electrode-carrying threads into specific brain regions to record neural activity, decoded into actionable commands.
However, Neuralink has faced strong backlash from critics concerned over ethical issues regarding autonomy, long-term health uncertainty, an increased dependence on technology, and the social implications of radically altering societal norms and values.
The company has also faced criticism over its treatment of animals in pre-human trials. Reports of rushed surgeries resulting in avoidable animal deaths prompted federal investigations and scrutiny from animal rights groups.
Despite these challenges, Neuralink has emphasized its commitment to ethical trials and has initiated its first human clinical trial, known as the Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface (PRIME) study, with Arbaugh as the inaugural participant.
Arbaugh volunteered for the trial, driven by the belief in its potential to “change the world.”
— Neuralink (@neuralink) March 20, 2024During the livestream, Arbaugh showcased his ability to control the cursor and pause music, highlighting the newfound freedom afforded by the Neuralink brain-computer interface. He shared his joy at being able to indulge in activities like playing Sid Meier’s Civilization 6, which was previously challenging due to his condition.
Arbaugh also mentioned his exploration of learning French and Japanese languages and overcoming reading barriers with the assistance of the implant. Despite acknowledging some challenges, he emphasized the life-changing impact of the technology.
Following the video release, Musk reiterated his long-term vision for Neuralink, aiming to restore mobility to paralyzed individuals by directly transmitting signals from the brain to the body. The company also explores the potential for vision restoration among blind individuals through brain stimulation.Neuralink was kind enough to open their doors for me to tour their headquarters a few weeks back. It was an amazing experience and a day I'll never forget. This was at a company wide meeting at the end of the day. Thank you to everyone who made this possible. Hope y'all enjoy!… pic.twitter.com/YNa2Jtjhnk
— Noland Arbaugh (@ModdedQuad) March 22, 2024
Founded in 2016 by Elon Musk and a team of experts, Neuralink aims to develop brain-computer interfaces to address unmet medical needs. The procedure involves a surgical robot implanting ultra-thin electrode-carrying threads into specific brain regions to record neural activity, decoded into actionable commands.
However, Neuralink has faced strong backlash from critics concerned over ethical issues regarding autonomy, long-term health uncertainty, an increased dependence on technology, and the social implications of radically altering societal norms and values.
The company has also faced criticism over its treatment of animals in pre-human trials. Reports of rushed surgeries resulting in avoidable animal deaths prompted federal investigations and scrutiny from animal rights groups.
Despite these challenges, Neuralink has emphasized its commitment to ethical trials and has initiated its first human clinical trial, known as the Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface (PRIME) study, with Arbaugh as the inaugural participant.
Source: IGN
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