It sounds like a dream. As a matter of fact, we have it coming soon. Neuralink, an American BCI company founded by Elon Musk, is making such dreams a reality. The company has developed a BCI. What is that, you may ask how a Neuralink patient control computer? It is a device that is capable of translating brain signals into commands for an external device.
The first human to use the product was Noland Arbaugh—a 29-year-old who had his body paralyzed under the shoulders as a result of a diving accident. Noland became the first human participant in Neuralink’s clinical trials.
The first human Neuralink patient, who is paralysed, is able to control a computer and play chess just by thinking. PIC.TWITTER.COM/1KX4ICFM5T
— DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) MARCH 20, 2024
The process started with a successful surgery to implant the Neuralink device . After a smooth recovery, something amazing happened. Noland managed to manipulate his computer cursor by only thinking of the movement. He also played chess and Civilization VI.
“It was incredible,” Noland said in a recent interview. “Being able to play Civilization again, a game I thought I’d never touch again, is amazing.”
It is only the beginning of a marathon. Although Neurallink has shown incredible progress and successful results, it is worth bearing in mind that it is only the first step . Neural networks and Noland themselves have fully mastered control and will learn at a new level.
Some experts say it is too early to talk about full BCI. Much more research needs to be done to allow people to do more complex and selective thinking and make it more accessible. Still, the potential and promise of a brian chip are incredible.
In the long term, Neurallink aims at returning people deprived of opportunities, independence on par with a fully rounded human, and the capacity to fulfil oneself.
The future of brain-computer interfaces is bright. While ethical considerations need to be addressed, advancements like Noland’s success offer a glimpse of a world where thought truly becomes a powerful tool, especially for those with disabilities.
