In a groundbreaking development, a former Texas A&M athlete from Yuma, Arizona, has become the first person in the world to receive a Neuralink brain chip. Elon Musk’s company, Neuralink, has been working on a “general-purpose, high-bandwidth interface to the brain,” and the successful implant of the chip in a human marks a significant milestone for the company.
The recipient of the brain chip, Noland Arbaugh, was paralyzed in a diving accident in 2016, which left him with no sensation below his shoulders and no use of his limbs. The implant surgery was performed by Neuralink, and Arbaugh has already shown remarkable progress in using the chip.
— Neuralink (@neuralink) March 20, 2024
Neuralink is not the only company working on linking the nervous system to computers, as there are over 40 brain-computer interface trials underway. These efforts aim to help treat brain disorders, overcome brain injuries, and explore other applications.
During a recent livestream on X, Arbaugh demonstrated his ability to control a computer cursor using the brain chip, and he shared that he has been able to play video games like Civilization VI for hours on end. He also mentioned that he has used the chip to learn languages like Japanese and French.
Despite the success of the first human trial, Arbaugh acknowledges that there is still much work to be done. However, he is optimistic about the future of brain-computer interfaces and the potential impact they can have on people’s lives.
