Noland Arbaugh
Noland Arbaugh | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1993 or 1994 (age 30–31) Yuma, Arizona, U.S. |
| Known for | First human recipient of a Neuralink brain-computer interface implant |
Noland Arbaugh (born 1993 or 1994) is an American quadriplegic known for being the first human recipient of Neuralink's brain-computer interface (BCI) implant.[1] He gained attention for his use of the device to regain digital autonomy after a spinal cord injury left him paralyzed.
Early life and education
Arbaugh was born in Yuma, Arizona. He was a student and athlete at Texas A&M University. In 2016, while working as a summer camp counselor at the Island Lake Camp in Starrucca, Pennsylvania, Arbaugh experienced a swimming accident and suffered a severe spinal cord injury that led to quadriplegia, paralysis from the shoulders down.[2][1]
Neuralink brain-computer interface
Arbaugh became the first person to receive a brain chip implant developed by Neuralink, a neurotechnology company.
Post-surgery experience
Arbaugh reported that the surgery was straightforward and that he was released from the hospital the following day without cognitive impairments.
According to a nine minute impromptu interview posted on the social media service X, Arbaugh said that the technology provided by Neuralink had changed his life despite running into "some issues" as part of the surgery and installation.[2] The implant allows him to control a computer cursor with his thoughts, enabling him to perform digital tasks.[3][4] Despite encountering some issues with the chip, he has been able again to play games like Civilization 6 and chess.[5]
A month after the procedure, up to 85% of the Neuralink threads implanted in Arbaugh's brain had retracted and become unresponsive, degrading his ability to control external interfaces. In lieu of additional surgery to fix the problem, software updates were made that have allowed Arbaugh to regain some functions.[6]
References
- ^ a b Vance, Ashlee (May 16, 2024). "Neuralink's First Patient: 'It Blows My Mind So Much'". Bloomberg Businessweek.
- ^ a b Sepulveda, Laura Daniella; Slade, Shelby (March 21, 2024). "Arizona native Noland Arbaugh is first Neuralink patient: what to know". Arizona Republic. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ "Neuralink's brain chip encounters issues post surgery, says Elon Musk's company". Times of India. May 9, 2024. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ "Elon Musk's Neuralink responds to 'Brain-Implant' malfunction, implications for FDA approval and future trials". LiveMint. May 9, 2024. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ Al-Arshani, Sarah (March 22, 2024). "Video shows first Neuralink brain chip patient playing chess by moving cursor with thoughts". USA Today. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ Winkler, Rolf (May 20, 2024). "Elon Musk's Neuralink Gets FDA Green Light for Second Patient, as First Describes His Emotional Journey". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved May 20, 2024.