Paralysed patient reveals incredible abilities only using his thoughts after receiving Neuralink chip
A huge marker has been put down by Elon Musk's brain-interface company, Neuralink.
One of its patients, a paralysed US military veteran, has revealed a number of activities and tasks that he can now carry out using nothing but his thoughts.
RJ was one of the selected few who have reportedly reaped the benefits of Neuralink's coin-sized chip implanted in their brains.
Musk's business venture aims to utilise neurotechnology to create brain chips that assist people who suffer from serious impairments.
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Having publicly announced his intentions in early 2024, we've managed to see progress made by patients with the chip in the months since.
However, one of them has now spoken about the near-unbelievable progress they've made since getting the tech chip implanted.
What is Neuralink?
Neuralink was founded in 2016 by Musk and a team of scientists and engineers. According to Neuralink's website, it has built an implantable, brain-computer interface (BCI) that can 'translate neural signals into actions'.
This patient's implant was performed by neurosurgeon Dr Jonathan Jagid, who called the device 'unique' in its size and added that it is 'completely invisible' to anyone else, including other users.
Essentially, brain signals are picked up by ultra-thin threads implanted into the brain and transmitted to a computer or other devices for use.
What abilities does the patient have with Neuralink?
RJ is quadriplegic and lost use of his limbs as a result of a motorcycle accident, though the veteran revealed that he has now mastered a number of tasks thanks to the chip.
He said that he is able to play video games, design 3D objects, and control electronics with his thoughts.
RJ, the first patient at a Miami hospital to receive the device, underwent the operation at UHealth Tower earlier this year, making the American one of just seven people in the country to have the chip.
Speaking more about his abilities, RJ said in a video by Neuralink: "I think my favourite thing is probably being able to turn on my TV.
"Like the first time in two and a half years I was able to do that. So that was pretty sweet."
As the chip is embedded in the section of his brain that's responsible for movement, he can also use a computer with brain signals.
This means that he can play his beloved video games and design mechanical parts in a CAD programme.
"Pretty sweet. I like shooting zombies. That's kind of nice," RJ said of his Call of Duty-playing abilities.
He also admitted that the chip has given him his 'spark' and 'drive' back, adding: "They've given me my purpose back."
What is Neuralink's aim with the trial?
He now goes by P5, the fifth human in the world to be given the chip following Neuralink's FDA approval for clinical trials.
Neuralink president DJ Seo explained that RJ is one of seven in the trial, with all patients suffering from spinal cord injury or ALS.
The aim is for patients to find out if the Link will let the brain communicate with technology without the use of nerves, muscles, or speech.
Topics: Elon Musk, Gaming, Technology, Neuralink
Joshua Nair