Neuralink Trial Update: Pioneering Patient Details His Experience With Elon Musk’s Brain Chip

The first participant in Elon Musk’s Neuralink trial, Noland Arbaugh, is sharing his interesting journey with the brain chip. At 30 years old, Arbaugh underwent the first surgical procedure to integrate the innovative Neuralink ‘brain chip’ into his neural circuitry. This revolutionary technology promised him the ability to seamlessly control computers by solely using his mind.

Approximately four months after his surgery, Arbaugh has experienced remarkable benefits thanks to the Neuralink implant. From engaging in races against his stepfather in the virtual realms of Nintendo’s Mario Kart to effortlessly moving a computer cursor with his mind, the possibilities seemed endless. However, despite the success of the brain chip, challenges emerged as technical glitches hindered the functioning of the implant.

Reports surfaced indicating that around 85 percent of the complex connections linking the chip to Arbaugh’s brain had dislodged, leading Neuralink to recalibrate the system’s software. Arbaugh said this unexpected obstacle stemmed from his brain’s natural movements within the protective cerebrospinal fluid. As a result, these movements gradually loosened the electrode-like connections, which required immediate attention.

Elon Musk’s first Neuralink patient demonstrates how the brain chip implant works.. 🤯🧠

THIS IS INSANE. pic.twitter.com/axg6JbcbDf

— DramaAlert (@DramaAlert) May 23, 2024

Neuralink’s brain-computer interface features a computer chip attached to tiny flexible threads that are stitched into the brain by a robot. With the help of professionals, the robot carefully removes the skull, connects the electrodes to certain parts of the brain, and stitches up the hole. Luckily, the only visible trace of the procedure is a scar where the initial incision was made. Additionally, Musk revealed the efficiency of this groundbreaking technique, noting that the entire process is completed within 30 minutes and can be done without undergoing general anesthesia.

Before receiving the implant, Arbaugh relied on Apple’s voice assistant, Siri, to compose text messages, make calls to friends, and accomplish various daily tasks. However, after installing the brain chip, Arbaugh experienced a dramatic change. He exceeded his limitations and broke the world record for both speed and precision in controlling a computer cursor with the power of his mind.

“I was like, once you guys take these restraints off me, I’m just gonna fly,” Arbaugh recalled. “It was very, very cool.”