Noland Arbaugh, the first person to receive Elon Musk’s Neuralink brain chip in 2024, has regained significant autonomy 18 months post-surgery. He’s been paralyzed from the shoulders down since he suffered a swimming accident in 2016. Since his implant, he has been using a brain-computer interface (BCI) about 10 hours a day to control his computer, play Mario Kart, operate home devices (like the TV and air purifier), study at the local community college, and plan his own business and speaking engagements.
Initially, some device threads retracted, reducing control, but Neuralink fixed the issue. Arbaugh said he had little purpose before the surgery but now feels “potential again.” He volunteered for the clinical trial knowing he might fail but he thought, if nothing else, at least it would help someone else in the future and he figured it was worth trying out. He joked that he is a “cyborg” but he added that he isn’t exaggerating the impact this technology has had on his independence and quality of life.
Key points:
Patient: Noland Arbaugh, paralyzed below shoulders after a 2016 swimming accident.
Implant Date: 2024 – Neuralink brain chip implanted via coin-sized skull surgery with 1,000+ electrodes.
Functionality: Uses brain-computer interface (BCI) to:
- Play Mario Kart
- Control computer (approx. 10 hours/day)
- Operate home devices (TV, air purifier)
- Study at community college
- Plan a business & paid speaking career
Initial Issue: Device threads retracted temporarily reducing control; later repaired by Neuralink.
