The world’s first Neuralink patient for brain implants has emerged from the shadows, offering a look into the power and limitations of this revolutionary technology. Noland Arbaugh, a 29-year-old quadriplegic, shared his experiences living with the implant during a recent livestream, showing its ability to control digital elements and even facilitate all-night gaming sessions.
Progress on First Neuralink Patient
News of the first human Neuralink implant broke in January 2024, when co-founder Elon Musk revealed a successful surgery and the possibility of promising initial results. Following updates about Arbaugh’s recovery and cursor control capabilities, Neuralink officially showed his progress in March via live stream.
Gaming, Learning, and a Regained Sense of Freedom
The livestream featured Arbaugh playing digital chess and discussing the implant’s transformative impact. He explained how the ability to control the cursor with his thoughts “felt like using the force,” highlighting the technology’s intuitive nature.
Arbaugh’s story extends beyond chess game competitions. He revealed the implant empowered him to play “Sid Meier’s Civilization 6” for an entire night, an achievement previously impossible due to his paralysis. “It was worth it,” he stated, emphasizing the newfound freedom and sense of control.
Similarly, the implant’s benefits go beyond entertainment. Arbaugh has begun learning French and Japanese and can now read without assistance—all facilitated by the brain-computer interface. He also emphasized that there was no cognitive decline due to the procedure.
Restoring Mobility Through Neural Bypasses
While celebrating progress, Arbaugh acknowledged room for improvement. He stressed that this is just the beginning, with some development still needed. Meanwhile, Elon Musk restated his long-term vision. He envisions the technology eventually “shunting” signals past damaged spinal cords, allowing paralyzed individuals to regain mobility. The potential to restore sight through camera-assisted stimulation is also on the table.
Read More: Musk’s Neuralink AI Brain Chip in Human
Ethical Concerns Regarding This Technology
Neuralink’s advancements haven’t been without controversy. The company has faced criticism regarding animal testing practices. A December 2022 Reuters report alleged over 1,500 animal deaths since 2018, raising questions about rushed procedures and potential violations of animal welfare regulations. Neuralink maintains its commitment to ethical treatment and highlights the positive aspects of its animal care program. Despite the USDA declaring compliance with US law in January 2023, animal rights groups remain critical, citing specific incidents involving fatal complications.
The story of Noland Arbaugh, the first neuralink patient, marks a significant milestone in brain-computer interface technology. However, the ethical considerations surrounding animal testing must be addressed alongside the undeniable potential for this technology to improve lives. As Neuralink progresses, navigating these complexities will ensure responsible and beneficial advancement.
