Quadriplegic man controls computer with his mind using Elon Musk's Neuralink. Watch

Elon Musk has broader plans for Neuralink.

Billionaire Elon Musk's Neuralink Corp. showcased a live demonstration featuring its first-ever brain implant recipient who played online chess and video games using only his mind. Quadriplegic Noland Arbaugh will now be able to control a computer using just his mind, and he is the very first user of the Neuralink device. The ‘telepathic’ event was shared on Musk’s social media platform X.

The implant empowers patients to harness their thoughts to control computers and other devices. It is especially helpful for those with severe physical impairments like cervical spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s or quadriplegia.

Musk retweeted the clip saying: “Livestream of Neuralink demonstrating “Telepathy” – controlling a computer and playing video games just by thinking.”

Livestream of @Neuralink demonstrating “Telepathy” – controlling a computer and playing video games just by thinking https://t.co/0kHJdayfYy

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 20, 2024

During the livestream, Arbaugh, 29, shared his experience: "It has already changed my life."

He had been paralysed from below his shoulders since a spinal cord injury sustained eight years ago in a "freak diving accident”. He underwent the Neuralink procedure in January this year. Now, he can easily manuever through chess moves and video game worlds - his mind controlling the cursor.

"I had given up on playing that game," Arbaugh said playing Civilization VI and chess. He called the procedure “super easy” but also added there was room for improvement, tech-wise. The device operates sans the need for cumbersome wired connections to external devices.

Musk has also hinted at the device's potential to restore vision, teasing, "Blindsight is the next product after Telepathy." He also tweeted: "Long-term, it is possible to shunt the signals from the brain motor cortex past the damaged part of the spine to enable people to walk again and use their arms normally."

BrainGate consortium have showcased similar feats of cursor control through brain implants. However, Neuralink's device reportedly boasts a superior electrode count, hinting at broader applications on the horizon – such as Musk’s “Blindsight” plans.