Neuralink Tech Enables Quadriplegic Man to Play Computer Games Using His Mind
Summary:
Neuralink, Elon Musk’s company, live-streamed footage of a quadriplegic man, Noland Arbaugh, using its brain implant technology to play computer games with his thoughts. The 29-year-old can control a computer cursor and play chess and Civilization VI mentally. Arbaugh, who became a quadriplegic after a severe spinal cord injury eight years ago, had the Neuralink device implanted and has since navigated his computer seamlessly using his mind. The technology's aim is to assist those with debilitating injuries or paralysis to interact with digital devices using thought alone.
Elon Musk's company, Neuralink, showcased its pioneering brain chip technology during a Wednesday live broadcast. The footage featured Noland Arbaugh, a quadriplegic individual, navigating and playing computer games using only his mind. As a Neuralink participant, Arbaugh, 29, was seen operating a computer cursor mentally to engage in games like chess and Civilization VI. Arbaugh remarks, “It feels like telekinetically controlling the pointer. I decide where to look, and it responds, all I can say is, it's truly exhilarating to be part of this."
He noted that he once stayed up till dawn playing Civilization VI, one of the first times he was given unrestricted use of the system. Arbaugh became a quadriplegic eight years back after suffering a catastrophic spinal cord injury due to a bizarre diving mishap. His paralysis extends from his shoulders downwards. Arbaugh commented on the surgery that lodged the chip, mentioning it was straightforward and he was discharged from the hospital the following day, on January 28th after implantation. "It's already transforming my life," he said. "The operation was extremely straightforward."
While acknowledging certain aspects of the technology needed further refinement, Arbaugh encouraged others with neurological conditions to volunteer for the human trials. He further expressed,“This is not the conclusion, but a crossroads with a long journey ahead of us. Anyone who is either contemplating volunteering for the trials or somehow assisting with this cause, please contribute your part.”
Neuralink's revolutionary brain chip intends to enable individuals experiencing paralysis or severe injuries to operate phones or computers simply with their thoughts, Musk wrote in his post on January 30th. The inaugural product called Telepathy is in development, he added, "Envision the late Stephen Hawking communicating at an even faster pace than a speedy typist or an auctioneer. That is the ambition."
Following the US Food and Drug Administration's approval for its PRIME study in May 2023, Neuralink initiated applications for human clinical trials in September 2023. The chip, also known as the Brain-Computer Interface (BCI), operates by creating a compact opening in the patient's skull and employing a robotic surgeon for installation. The device is composed of "extremely slender and flexible threads", inserted into the brain area responsible for motion intention. Post implantation, the chip is aesthetically invisible and serves as a transmitter, wirelessly broadcasting information to an application converting the user's thoughts into digital motion on the corresponding device.
Published At
3/21/2024 3:40:13 AM
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