Neuralink's First User Is 'Constantly Multitasking' With His Brain Implant
Neuralink's BCI: Miracle or Mind Control?
In 2016, Noland Arbaugh suffered a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the neck down. After years of adjusting to his new life, Arbaugh became the first person to receive Neuralink's investigational brain-computer interface (BCI) device, Telepathy, in January. This device allows him to control a computer cursor with his thoughts, significantly enhancing his independence and daily life.
Neuralink's BCI technology, which translates brain signals into computer commands, has provided Arbaugh with a newfound sense of autonomy, enabling him to browse the web and play games without physical assistance. This technology not only represents a breakthrough for individuals with severe physical disabilities but also showcases the potential for further applications in mental health and sensory impairments.
What is the purpose of the Neuralink device, Telepathy, and how does it function as a brain-computer interface?
The purpose of the Neuralink device, Telepathy, is to enable people with paralysis to control external devices, such as computers or smartphones, using their thoughts alone1. The device functions as a brain-computer interface (BCI) by decoding intended movement signals in the brain and translating them into computer commands.
The Neuralink device is implanted into the brain and consists of a chip and electrode arrays of more than 1,000 superthin, flexible conductors5. These electrodes are designed to register thoughts related to motion. When a person thinks about moving a cursor on their screen, for example, the device detects the corresponding neural signals and translates them into commands, allowing the user to control the computer or smartphone without any physical movement.
The device has shown promising results in early trials, with the first human recipient, Noland Arbaugh, being able to control a computer cursor and set the human record for cursor control with a BCI. As the technology advances, Neuralink aims to help people with paralysis regain independence and improve their quality of life by enabling them to interact with technology in ways that were previously impossible.
How did Arbaugh's life change immediately following his injury in terms of his daily activities and independence?
Following his spinal cord injury in 2016, Noland Arbaugh experienced significant changes in his daily life and independence3. Prior to the accident, he was a self-sufficient college student. After the injury, which left him paralyzed from the neck down, he had to move back in with his parents and depend on them for his daily needs. His mobility was severely restricted, requiring him to learn how to navigate a wheelchair and use a mouth-held stick to operate devices like an iPad. One of the most challenging adjustments for Arbaugh was the feeling of being a burden on his family, as he needed assistance for many basic activities and could no longer manage independently. This loss of independence profoundly affected his lifestyle and self-perception.