Elon Musk’s neurotechnology company Neuralink shared a video Wednesday showing its first patient playing chess with his mind.
Quadriplegic Noland Arbaugh became the company’s inaugural patient in January when he received a brain-computer interface implant. He says the device lets him play video games and online chess without using his limbs.
“It’s not perfect. I would say we have run into some issues,” Mr. Arbaugh said during the livestream posted to X. “There’s a lot of work to be done, but it has already changed my life. I feel like it’s going to change the world.”
Mr. Arbaugh, 29, was paralyzed eight years ago in a diving accident.
Mr. Musk said the video demonstrates telepathy.
Neuralink, along with other computer-brain interface companies like Synchron, hopes the technology can help disabled people live full lives.
Despite its good intentions, Neuralink has been the target of criticism. The company’s staffers have accused it of rushing animal testing, causing needless suffering. According to reports, over 1,500 animals have died while undergoing treatment at Neuralink since 2018. Still, the company received the go-ahead for human testing from the Food and Drug Administration last year.
• Vaughn Cockayne can be reached at vcockayne@washingtontimes.com.
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