The man who lost his arms' mobility to ALS becomes first Neuralink user to control a robotic arm and feed himself using only his brain

Nick-Neuralink

Nick, who lost arm mobility due to ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), has become the latest Neuralink participant to achieve a remarkable milestone — feeding himself using only his thoughts. In a recent update shared by Neuralink on X (formerly Twitter), the company wrote:

“ALS took Nick’s arm mobility. Now, he can control a robotic arm with his Neuralink device to feed himself.”

Nick himself shared his experience, writing, “Life with my BCI has been and continues to be so surreal and so rewarding. Can’t wait to see what comes next!” The achievement highlights the transformative potential of Neuralink’s brain-computer interface (BCI) for people suffering from neurodegenerative diseases that cause paralysis or loss of muscle control.

Watch: Nick feed himself using robotic arm controlled via Neuralink chip

How Neuralink’s brain chip works

ALS took Nick’s arm mobility. Now, he can control a robotic arm with his Neuralink device to feed himself.

“Life with my BCI has been and continues to be so surreal and so rewarding. Can’t wait to see what comes next!” pic.twitter.com/jInvprOyAr — Neuralink (@neuralink) October 11, 2025

The Neuralink brain chip, developed by Elon Musk’s company, is a coin-sized implant designed to connect the human brain directly with computers. Implanted in the motor cortex — the region responsible for movement — it uses ultra-thin electrode threads to detect neural signals and wirelessly transmit them to external devices. These brain signals are then interpreted in real time, allowing users to perform digital or physical tasks purely through thought.

Using a specially designed surgical robot, the implant procedure inserts up to 1,024 electrodes into the brain with high precision. Once activated, the chip translates the user’s mental intent into actions, such as moving a robotic arm, typing, or interacting with a digital interface.

Nick’s ability to feed himself for the first time since losing his arm mobility marks a powerful moment in Neuralink’s ongoing PRIME clinical trial. While still in early stages, the results suggest that BCIs may help restore independence for people living with paralysis, ALS, or spinal cord injuries.

Elon Musk responded to the milestone with optimism, noting that Neuralink’s ultimate goal is to “help humans overcome physical limitations through seamless brain-computer communication.”

For Nick, the success is deeply personal — a moment that redefines what’s possible when technology bridges the gap between thought and motion.