Noland Arbaugh, the first person to receive a brain chip from Elon Musk’s Neuralink company, has shared his experiences of this groundbreaking technology. The 30-year-old Arbaugh, who was paralyzed from the neck down due to a spinal cord injury in 2016, revealed how the chip has transformed his life in a recent interview.
How Does Arbaugh’s Neuralink Brain Chip Work?
In 2016, the same year Arbaugh had his accident, Elon Musk co-founded Neuralink. This January, Arbaugh became the first recipient of the Telepathy device. This brain-computer interface (BCI) decodes brain signals intended for movement and translates them into computer commands. This means Arbaugh can control the cursor on his computer simply by thinking about it.
Before receiving the chip, Arbaugh’s movements were extremely limited. He used an iPad by holding a stylus in his mouth. Now, thanks to the chip in his brain, he can fully control a computer just by thinking. He can play games and browse the internet without moving a muscle.
Multitasking Made Easy
Arbaugh shared that he was selected for the chip on the very first day he applied and underwent various health screenings for a month. He noted that using the device does not require excessive concentration and that multitasking has become very easy for him:
“During sessions or while playing games, I am constantly multitasking. I can start an audiobook or any other content and play a game simultaneously. Doing all this requires very little brainpower.”
Currently, the only device Arbaugh can control with his brain chip is a MacBook, but he mentioned that they would soon be moving to a phone. Neuralink recently published a blog post detailing Arbaugh’s first 100 days with the device.
A Bump in the Road
The blog revealed a significant issue: some of the chip’s threads, which read neural activity, were pulled from his brain. Arbaugh noticed something was wrong when he lost control of the cursor. However, a small software tweak resolved the issue within two weeks. Initially, he feared the chip might stop working entirely, but now he has no concerns about its functionality.
Arbaugh described how the implant has profoundly changed his life, making him feel more independent and less of a burden to those around him. He emphasized that many paralyzed individuals seek not just a cure but a sense of independence.
Future Aspirations with Neuralink
Arbaugh expressed his desire to control a robot with his brain chip:
“I mentioned this in a [Neuralink] meeting, and I think it would be incredible if I had a [Tesla] Optimus robot that could do everything for me and be my caregiver. This would eliminate about 90% of my dependency on others.”
He also envisioned connecting the chip to a car: “It would be cool to link to a Tesla, as they already drive themselves. I’d just need to find a way to get in and set a destination. Doing all this on my own would be life-changing.”
Known for breaking the human record for cursor control with BCI, Arbaugh joked about why he hasn’t met others with brain chips:
“No, I haven’t met them. I actually want to. Maybe I need to take the first step and reach out. Perhaps they’re all mad at me for breaking world records.”
Arbaugh’s journey with the Neuralink brain chip marks a significant milestone in medical technology, showing immense potential for enhancing the lives of those with severe disabilities. What are your thoughts on this revolutionary technology? Share your opinions in the comments below!
