Neuralink is a brain technology startup founded by Elon Musk.
Noland Arbaugh, who became the first human to receive a Neuralink brain implant chip, recently revealed how the pioneering technology changed his life. In an exclusive interview with ”Good Morning America” Will Reeve, Arbaugh said the device gave him the ability to have almost complete control over his use of a computer, using only his thoughts.
“I can control a computer like anyone else, which is not something I was able to do beforehand,” Arbaugh said.
He further said that participating in innovative scientific research will help pave the way to improving the lives of paralyzed people. “I knew that if I did this, it would take a lot of heartache and suffering away from people down the road,” he added.
While the surgery went off without a hitch in January 2024, there were recently some issues with the technology that almost led the company to remove the device from his brain. Some data was lost because several implant threads retracted. Arbaugh said he was emotional, fearing he would lose the improvements the device had brought to his life.
“It was really, really hard to give up all the amazing things I was able to do. I think I cried afterward,” Mr. Arbaugh added. However, Neuralink was able to make modifications to the technology and improve the Arbaugh connection.
He is now hopeful that the day will come when spinal cord injuries are not completely debilitating, saying: “I don’t think it’s as far away as people might think.”
“It will be incredible when someone has a spinal cord injury, goes to a hospital, has surgery and comes out a few days later. I think that will happen,” she added.
Notably, he suffered a spinal cord injury in a “freak diving accident” eight years ago. He was working as a summer camp counselor for children when he was involved in an accident that left him quadriplegic in 2016. In 2017, he raised $10,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to buy an affordable, customized van.
What is Neuralink?
Neuralink is a brain technology startup founded by Elon Musk. His implant allows the patient to use his thoughts to control a computer. Musk said the company will begin working with patients who have severe physical limitations, such as cervical spinal cord impairment or quadriplegia.
The ambition is to turbocharge human capabilities, treat neurological diseases like ALS or Parkinson’s, and perhaps one day achieve a symbiotic relationship between humans and artificial intelligence.
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