The future of human-computer interaction just got a whole lot more mind-blowing. Neuralink, Elon Musk‘s brain-computer interface (BCI) company, live-streamed a groundbreaking achievement – a quadriplegic man named Noland Arbaugh successfully playing games like chess and Civilization using only his thoughts!

The Neuralink technology translates thought patterns into digital signals

Noland’s experience was nothing short of incredible. During the live broadcast, he guided the chess pieces on the screen with his mind, leaving viewers in awe. “If you can all see the cursor moving, yes, that’s me (operating),” he announced with a hint of justifiable excitement. “This is very interesting. Cool, right?”

Neuralink

So, how exactly did Noland achieve this feat? Neuralink’s technology works by implanting a chip into the brain that translates thought patterns into digital signals. In the live broadcast, Noland explained his training process: “I would try to move my right hand, left, right, forward, backward, and then, from there, imagine the cursor moving.” This in itself tells us about the connection Neuralink is making between the human mind and digital commands.

This demonstration is a significant leap forward in BCI technology. Noland’s success paves the way for a future where individuals with paralysis or other neurological conditions can regain control and independence through the power of their thoughts. Neuralink aptly named their first product “Telepathy,” reflecting its ambition to create a seamless mind-machine connection.

Neuralink isn’t the first to explore BCI technology. Back in 2021, they showcased a macaque monkey named Pager playing a video game using its mind. However, Noland’s live demonstration takes things a crucial step further, showcasing the potential of this technology in real-world human applications.

One thing is certain: the boundaries between human and machine are blurring. And we’re all here for it (for the most part).

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(Via)