18 months after surgery, Elon Musk’s first brain chip patient is playing Mario

Noland Arbaugh, the pioneering individual to receive a brain chip implant from Elon Musk's Neuralink, has revealed how this groundbreaking technology has significantly altered his life 18 months following the procedure. Arbaugh's journey began after he suffered a severe swimming accident in 2016 that resulted in the dislocation of two vertebrae, leaving him without sensation or movement below his shoulders. In 2024, Arbaugh underwent the Neuralink surgery, where a robotic system created a small hole in his skull to implant a chip equipped with over 1,000 electrodes. This device facilitates the detection and decoding of electrical signals from his brain, converting them into digital commands. With the help of this brain-computer interface (BCI), Arbaugh can now control his computer, play games like Mario Kart, manage his television, and operate his air purifier—all without physical movement. In a recent conversation with Fortune, Arbaugh shared how the Neuralink device has become an integral part of his daily life, enabling him to use it for approximately 10 hours each day to engage in studying, reading, and gaming. He has also taken the initiative to enroll in classes at a community college in Arizona and is exploring opportunities for paid speaking engagements and live presentations. Reflecting on his life before the surgery, Arbaugh described feelings of purposelessness and isolation, stating, “I would stay up all night and sleep all day, and I didn’t really want to bother anyone.” However, in the past year and a half, he has regained much of the independence he had lost due to his disability. "I feel like I have potential again," Arbaugh expressed. "Now I’m finding a way to fulfill that potential in meaningful ways. It’s a lot different." When asked about his apprehensions regarding being the first patient in a clinical trial, Arbaugh emphasized that it was an easy decision for him. He noted that he was willing to take the risk, knowing it could benefit others in the future. While not everything went smoothly initially—he experienced a setback when some threads in the Neuralink device retracted, diminishing his control—Arbaugh chose not to publicize the issue at the time, believing the Neuralink team would rectify the problem. He humorously remarked on his new identity, saying, "Technically I am a cyborg because I have been enhanced by a ‘machine.’ But I still see myself as a regular guy… It’s fun to play around with."