Paralysed man Noland Arbaugh has made history by becoming the first person to use Elon Musk’s Neuralink chip. The 30-year-old quadriplegic, who was fitted with the device in January 2024, can now control a computer with his mind using a ‘brain computer interface’ (BCI) technology.
The Neuralink chip detects electrical impulses generated when Noland thinks about moving, allowing him to translate his brain signals into digital commands. After the procedure, he was able to control a cursor by simply thinking about moving his hand, and has even been able to play chess and video games again.
Noland hopes that one day the chip will allow him to control his wheelchair, but it’s not without challenges. He experienced an issue with the chip that caused him to lose control of his device when it ‘disconnected’ from his brain. Fortunately, the connection was repaired and improved.
The ultimate goal for Neuralink is to help paralysed people walk again, with Musk stating that it’s possible to “shunt the signals from the brain motor cortex past the damaged part of the spine” to enable individuals to use their arms normally. The company plans to expand its functionality to include text entry, robotic arm control, and other technologies to increase independence for people living with quadriplegia.
Source: https://www.ladbible.com/news/technology/noland-arbaugh-neuralink-chip-device-impact-elon-musk-576930-20250323