The name Elon Musk has become synonymous with boundary-pushing technology, from electric cars to space travel. Now, his neurotechnology company Neuralink is making headlines for its brain-computer interface, a device implanted directly into the brain. In January, Neuralink successfully performed its first human trial, implanting a chip into a man named Noland Arbaugh. This brain-computer interface has since had a profound effect on his life. Here’s what Arbaugh had to say about the life-changing impact of the Neuralink chip.
The First Neuralink Human Trial
Elon Musk’s Neuralink announced in 2023 that they had successfully implanted a brain-computer interface into a human for the first time. The subject, Noland Arbaugh, a 30-year-old quadriplegic, received the chip as part of the first human trial approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Musk shared that early results were promising, highlighting “neuron spike detection“—the chip’s ability to record electrical signals from the brain.1 Each Neuralink device includes a chip with more than 1,000 electrode arrays, all designed to monitor neuron activity and translate thoughts into actions on devices like computers and smartphones.
A Life-Altering Accident
Arbaugh, who was paralyzed from the shoulders down after a freak accident at age 22, lived for years struggling to regain control over his life. Before his injury, Arbaugh was an active athlete who played multiple sports, but the accident dramatically altered his trajectory. “It put me on a very different path,” he shared.2 Arbaugh initially faced depression, spending years trying to find purpose after losing his physical capabilities.
The Decision to Get the Neuralink Chip
When Arbaugh was offered the chance to receive a Neuralink chip, he understood the risks but felt the opportunity was too important to pass up. “It’s my brain, and that’s the last thing I have,” he admitted when reflecting on the decision. Despite the uncertainty, he believed in the potential of the technology to change his life and help others with similar disabilities. Arbaugh became the first human subject to have the Neuralink chip implanted.
Initial Results and Immediate Impact
Within ten days of the surgery, Arbaugh began to see tangible results. The chip allowed him to control his phone and computer simply by thinking. “Sending a text message used to take forever,” he explained. Now, tasks that once took minutes could be accomplished in seconds. Arbaugh shared that his ability to communicate improved significantly, and he even began live-streaming computer games. The Neuralink chip works by recognizing neuron activity in the brain associated with specific thoughts. For example, if Arbaugh thinks about typing a letter on his phone, the chip can detect that thought and communicate it to his device.
A Setback and a Quick Recovery
While Arbaugh initially saw incredible progress, he faced a setback when the chip’s sensors shifted in his brain, causing him to lose control of the interface. However, within a few days, Neuralink’s team was able to recalibrate the device, restoring most of the control. This process underscored the cutting-edge nature of the technology, as Arbaugh worked closely with the Neuralink team to map out his thoughts and fine-tune the system. Despite the temporary setback, Arbaugh remains optimistic about the future of the technology and its potential to change the lives of many more people with disabilities.
Hopes for the Future
Arbaugh sees Neuralink’s brain chip as a groundbreaking tool with the potential to cure paralysis entirely. He envisions a future where brain-computer interfaces could bypass damaged spinal cords, allowing people with paralysis to regain full motor control. “Optimistically, I believe that will happen in ten or 20 years,” he said. While this dream may still be years away, Arbaugh is hopeful that his participation in this trial will help pave the way for future advancements in neurotechnology.
A New Era of Neurotechnology
Elon Musk’s Neuralink brain chip has already made a significant impact on Noland Arbaugh’s life, providing him with newfound independence and control over his environment. While the technology is still in its early stages, the results so far are promising, with the potential to revolutionize how we approach neurological disabilities. Arbaugh’s journey is just the beginning of what could be a monumental shift in medical science, offering hope to countless individuals living with paralysis.