Elon Musk’s Neuralink showcased the potential of its brain-computer interface technology. A paralyzed patient was able to play video games with his mind, marking a major milestone in the field of neurotechnology.
The individual, identified as Noland Arbaugh, has been a quadriplegic for nearly a decade due to a diving accident. With the Neuralink implant, Arbaugh demonstrated a remarkable ability to control a computer cursor and play games like chess and Civilization VI using only his thoughts.
Neuralink’s technology consists of a tiny implant placed within the brain. This implant is connected to flexible threads containing electrodes that can monitor and record neural activity. The data is then transmitted wirelessly to a computer, where algorithms decode the brain signals into actions.
“This has changed my life”
Arbaugh expressed his excitement, comparing the experience to “learning to use the Force” from Star Wars. He explained that the implant gave him a renewed sense of independence and the ability to engage in activities he once thought were impossible.
While this demonstration is a significant achievement, Neuralink acknowledges that there is still much work to improve the technology’s reliability and accuracy. Nevertheless, this livestream paints a promising picture for the future of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). The comapny held this live stream as part of its active search for human participants to join its implant trials, with expectations of a surge in applications this time.
