Neuralink reveals first brain-chip patient playing online chess in breakthrough demonstration

Elon Musk’s brain-chip startup Neuralink made headlines as it livestreamed its first patient, Noland Arbaugh, playing online chess using the implanted chip. The 29-year-old patient, paralyzed below the shoulder after a diving accident, was able to control a computer mouse with his thoughts through the Neuralink device. Arbaugh had received the implant in January and expressed his excitement at being able to engage in activities he had given up before.

Kip Ludwig, a former program director for neural engineering at the U.S. National Institutes of Health, provided insights on the development, stating that while it was not a breakthrough, it was a positive step forward for the patient. Ludwig emphasized the importance of continued learning to maximize the control achieved through the implant.

In a recent report, Reuters highlighted FDA inspectors finding issues with record keeping and quality controls for animal experiments at Neuralink. This discovery came shortly after the startup announced clearance to test its brain implants in humans. Despite these challenges, the progress made by Neuralink in enabling patients to interface with computers in new ways shows promise for the future of brain-chip technology.

As the field of neural engineering continues to evolve, advancements like those demonstrated by Neuralink offer hope for individuals with physical limitations. While there is still much to learn and improve upon, the ability to enhance human capabilities through innovative technology remains a key focus for companies like Neuralink.