Neuralink Corp., the brain technology company led by Elon Musk, broadcasted an update featuring its inaugural brain implant patient on Wednesday. During the livestream, a quadriplegic individual demonstrated the ability to engage in video games and online chess solely through neural commands.
Founded by Musk, Neuralink specializes in brain technology innovations, enabling patients to manipulate computers using their thoughts. Musk has emphasized the initial focus on individuals with severe physical disabilities like quadriplegia or cervical spinal cord impairment.
During the recent livestream on Musk’s social media platform X, the patient, identified as Noland Arbaugh, showcased his newfound abilities, expressing joy at being able to play games like chess and Civilization VI. Arbaugh, aged 29, recounted a spinal cord injury from a diving accident eight years prior, noting the ease of the surgical procedure and his swift recovery following the Neuralink implantation in January. Despite the positive outcomes, Arbaugh acknowledged ongoing refinements needed for the technology.
Livestream of @Neuralink demonstrating “Telepathy” – controlling a computer and playing video games just by thinking https://t.co/0kHJdayfYy
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 20, 2024
While Neuralink is at the forefront, other companies are also advancing brain-computer interface technology. Notable demonstrations of cursor control via thoughts have been conducted by institutions like the BrainGate consortium. However, Neuralink’s device boasts a higher electrode count, indicating broader potential applications. Notably, Neuralink’s technology operates wirelessly, distinguishing it from previous iterations.
In a post on X, Musk hinted at the device’s potential to restore vision, suggesting future developments beyond its current capabilities. Kip Allan Ludwig, co-director of the Wisconsin Institute for Translational Neuroengineering, acknowledged the achievement but noted it as a stepping stone rather than a breakthrough, citing prior advancements in the field.
Arbaugh’s personal journey, detailed on a Facebook page last updated in 2017, outlines the circumstances surrounding his accident and subsequent fundraising efforts for accessibility needs.
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