Noland Arbaugh, the first person to receive a Neuralink brain implant chip, recently discussed how the groundbreaking technology has revolutionized his life. In an exclusive interview with ”Good Morning America‘s” Will Reeve, Arbaugh stated that the device has given him nearly complete control over using a computer, using only his thoughts.
‘I can control a computer just like anyone else can, which is not something I was able to do beforehand,” Mr Arbaugh said.
He went on to say that taking part in pioneering scientific research will assist to better the lives of crippled individuals. ”I knew that if I did this then it would take a lot of headache and heartache away from the people down the road,” he added.
Though the procedure went well in January 2024, there were recently some complications with the technology that nearly resulted in the implant being removed from his brain.
Some data was lost because several of the implant’s threads retracted. Arbaugh tated that he became distraught, thinking that he got emotional, fearing he would lose the enhancements the device brought to his life.Â
The goal is to enhance human capacities, treat neurological ailments such as ALS or Parkinson’s
“It was very, very hard to give up all of the amazing things that I was able to do. I think I cried afterward,” Mr Arbaugh added. However, Neuralink was able to make modifications to the technology and improve Arbaugh’s connection.
He is now optimistic that spinal cord injuries will no longer be fully debilitating, stating, “I don’t think it’s as far away as people might think.”
“It’s going to be amazing when someone can have a spinal cord injury, go into a hospital, get surgery, and walk out a couple of days later. I think it’s gonna happen,” he added.
Notably, he had a spinal cord injury in a “freak diving accident” eight years ago. He was working as a summer camp counselor for children when he was involved in an accident that left him paraplegic in 2016. In 2017, he successfully raised $10,000 through a GoFundMe effort to buy an accessible, custom-built van.
Neuralink is a brain technology startup founded by Elon Musk. Its implant enables patients to utilize their thoughts to control a computer.
Musk has stated that the company will start by working with patients who have severe physical limitations like cervical spinal cord impairment or quadriplegia.
The goal is to enhance human capacities, treat neurological ailments such as ALS or Parkinson’s, and eventually develop a symbiotic relationship between people and artificial intelligence.
