Neuralink’s First Patient Reveals Life-Changing Progress 18 Months After Brain Implant

In January 2024, Noland Arbaugh, an American paralyzed from the shoulders down following a 2016 spinal cord injury, became the first human to receive a Neuralink brain-computer interface implant at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix. A surgical robot inserted ultra-thin electrode threads into his motor cortex, enabling him to control a computer cursor with the power of his thoughts. This groundbreaking procedure allowed Arbaugh to perform digital tasks such as playing chess and browsing the internet using only neural signals.

Noland Arbaugh, first human to receive a Neuralink brain

Eighteen months after the surgery, Arbaugh reports a radical transformation in his daily life. He now dedicates up to ten hours per day using the implant for studying neuroscience, gaming (including Mario Kart and chess), reading, working, and managing household devices, all without physical movement. The device has not only restored his autonomy but also reignited his sense of purpose: he’s enrolled in college in Arizona, begun giving public lectures, and even launched his own business ventures, turning his story into a symbol of hope for the future of neurotechnology.

Noland Arbaugh playing online chess with Neuralink brain implant

While Arbaugh’s experience stands as a milestone in assistive neurotechnology, it also raises important ethical and technical considerations. Earlier in the trial, some electrode threads retracted—reportedly due to brain movement, leading to diminished responsiveness; software adjustments were later implemented to mitigate these issues. Additionally, experts caution about the long term safety, privacy of neural data, and equity in access to such technologies. Nevertheless, Arbaugh remains optimistic, viewing himself as a pioneer whose experience paves the way for future innovations in brain-machine symbiosis.