Neuralink is a brain technology startup founded by Elon Musk.
Noland Arbaugh, who became the first human to receive the Neuralink brain implant chip, recently revealed how this pioneering technology has changed his life.In an exclusive interview with “Good Morning Americas” Will Reeve, Arbaugh said the device allows him to control computer usage almost completely using his thoughts alone.
“I can control the computer like anyone else, but it wasn't something I could do beforehand,” Arbaugh said.
Additionally, he said participating in groundbreaking scientific research will help pave the way to improving the lives of people with paralysis. “We knew that if we did this, it would save people a lot of headaches and heartache in the future,” he added.
The surgery was successful in January 2024, but some recent problems with the technology nearly led the company to remove the device from his brain. Some data was lost due to retraction of the threads on many implants. Arbaugh said he became emotional, fearing he would lose the enhancements the device had brought to his life.
“It was very, very difficult to give up all the great things that I had gotten to do. I think I cried afterward,” Arbaugh added. However, Neuralink was able to modify and improve the technology. Arbor connection.
He is now hopeful that the debilitating effects of spinal cord injuries will be completely eliminated, saying, “I don't think it's as far away as people think.”
“It would be great if someone could get a spinal cord injury, go to the hospital, have surgery and start walking a few days later. I think that will happen,” he added.
Notably, he suffered a spinal cord injury in a “freak diving accident” eight years ago. He was working as a children's summer camp counselor when he had an accident that left him a quadriplegic in 2016. In 2017, he successfully raised $10,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to purchase a custom-built accessible van.
What is Neuralink?
Neuralink is a brain technology startup founded by Elon Musk. The implant allows patients to control computers using their thoughts. Musk said the company will start by treating patients with severe physical limitations, such as cervical spinal cord injuries or quadriplegia.
Its ambition is to enhance human capabilities, treat neurological diseases such as ALS and Parkinson's disease, and one day enable a symbiotic relationship between humans and artificial intelligence.
