Noland Arbaugh (29 years old) is the first paralyzed patient to have a Neuralink brain chip implanted last January. He was then able to move the mouse by thinking.

Today, Neuralink live-streamed a video on X showing the paralyzed patient playing a simple game. The live stream showed him using his brain-computer interface to control a cursor, turning off the music player, and moving chess pieces on the screen.

The Neuralink device, a brain-computer interface (BCI), captures brain signals and wirelessly transmits them to an external receiver. The receiver deciphers these signals with the help of artificial intelligence algorithms, ultimately translating the user's intent into commands for connected devices.

Arbaugh described the implantation process as easy and reported returning home the next day. While acknowledging the technology isn't yet perfect and faces ongoing development, he emphasized the life-changing impact. For the first time in years, he could play video games for extended sessions (up to 8 hours) before needing the chip to recharge.

Arbaugh described how his control over the cursor progressed, indicating the success stemmed from a collaborative effort with the company's engineers. Initially, he focused on consciously willing the mouse to move, picturing himself applying force. Over time, the process became more intuitive, allowing him to simply imagine the desired cursor location while visually tracking it on the screen.

While controlling a mouse might seem like a modest achievement compared to previous brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) like Synchron, which enabled patients to write emails through thought alone, it represents a crucial step forward. This success paves the way for controlling more complex devices and unlocking the full potential of the Neuralink chip in deciphering brain signals.