Elon Musk’s First Neuralink Brain-Chip User Plays Chess Easily

Elon Musk’s company, Neuralink, has made groundbreaking advancements in the field of neuroscience by developing a brain chip that allows users to control computers and devices with their minds. But, is something like this truly possible? We might finally have the answers to that! The first recipient of this incredible technology can now play chess using only his thoughts. Here is how.

Elon Musk’s First Neuralink Brain Chip Patient

Elon Musk’s Neuralink showcased its first patient, Noland Arbaugh, who received a brain chip implant after a diving accident left him paralyzed. Arbaugh demonstrated playing online chess using the Neuralink device, controlling the cursor with his thoughts. While Arbaugh reported an easy surgery and no cognitive impairments, experts caution that the procedure is still in its early stages.

Noland Arbaugh also made history by posting a tweet on X using only his thoughts through the cybernetic implant. Elon Musk, owner of X, reacted to Arbaugh’s tweet, acknowledging it as the first-ever thought-controlled post. Arbaugh humorously mentioned being banned by Twitter, jokingly attributing it to being mistaken for a bot by both X and Elon Musk.

What Does Neuralink Claim to Accomplish?

Neuralink’s device and similar products aim to interpret brain activity to understand intended movements and execute corresponding actions. Noland Arbaugh, the first patient of Neuralink, mentioned practicing imagining movements until it became natural to control the cursor with his mind. He likened the experience to using “the force” from Star Wars and mentioned using the implant to play video games.

Checkmate, Mind Over Matter!

Neuralink showcased Noland Arbaugh playing online chess solely with his mind in a live broadcast. Arbaugh demonstrated moving the cursor on a computer screen without physical input, explaining that he achieves this by mentally visualizing the cursor’s movement. Arbaugh expressed gratitude to Neuralink for enabling him to play Civilization VI again, stating that he had previously given up on the game. He played for eight hours straight using the technology.

Arbaugh suffered a spinal cord injury around eight years ago in a diving accident, leading to quadriplegia. In 2016, he experienced another accident while working as a summer camp counselor for children. After receiving treatment from Neuralink in January, he was discharged from the hospital the following day without complications. Arbaugh emphasized the need for ongoing improvement and refinement of the technology.

What do you think of the accomplishments of Elon Musk’s Neuralink brain chip so far?

You might also want to read: Elon Musk Says Brain Chip Patient Can Control Mouse Through Thinking