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MagyarFirst Neuralink customer able to play Civilization VI, online chess using just his mind, demonstrating 'telepathy'
Neuralink, Elon Musk's brain control interface company, shared a recent livestream featuring Noland Arbaugh, a quadriplegic patient who regained control over a computer mouse and played chess online using only his mind, marking a significant milestone in the development of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology.
Arbaugh, who was paralyzed from the shoulders down following a diving accident, received a chip implant from Neuralink in January. This innovative device, about the size of a one-pound coin, is implanted into the skull and equipped with miniscule wires capable of reading neuron activity and transmitting wireless signals to a receiver unit.
During the demonstration, Arbaugh showcased his ability to play chess and engage in an eight-hour gaming session of Civilization VI, thanks to the Neuralink implant. He described the experience as akin to wielding "The Force", while expressing his awe and gratitude for the life-changing technology. Despite the advancements, Arbaugh acknowledged that the technology is not flawless, mentioning the need to recharge the implant every eight hours.
Neuralink's achievements underscore a broader trend in the field of neuroscience, with increasing efforts to develop BCI technology aimed at improving the lives of individuals with neurological conditions. Other companies and academic institutions, such as École Polytechnique Fédérale in Lausanne, Switzerland, have also made strides in this area, enabling paralyzed individuals to walk through electronic implants that communicate wirelessly with the brain and spine.
The proliferation of BCI research reflects a growing interest in harnessing the brain's electrical impulses to interface with computers and devices. Such technology holds promise for addressing a range of neurological conditions and enhancing human capabilities.
Elon Musk, CEO of Neuralink, has envisioned ambitious applications for the technology, including the ability to stream music directly into the brain and record and playback memories. However fanciful these may sound, they are indications that Neuroscience and human-computer interaction (HCI) are about to take off in an entirely new direction. However, challenges such as device reliability and ethical considerations will require careful thought as BCI technology evolves.
— Neuralink (@neuralink) March 20, 2024
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