29-year-old Noland Arbaugh, a quadriplegic patient of Neuralink, made waves recently when he showcased his ability to play Nintendo’s popular video game, Mario Kart, using only his mind. The impressive demonstration took place during a company-wide meeting that was shared on social media, where Arbaugh described the experience as “lifechanging.”
During the demo, Arbaugh displayed fine analog control dexterity as he maneuvered as Bowser in the game. This isn’t the first time Arbaugh has displayed his skills with the Neuralink implant, as he has also been able to play the strategy game Civilization VI with ease.
This breakthrough comes at a crucial time for Neuralink, as the company has been grappling with negative press surrounding reports of monkeys dying in lab experiments and allegations of misleading investors. Arbaugh’s success with the implant may help alleviate some of the concerns and skepticism surrounding the technology.
Many are now urging Neuralink to be more transparent about their trials and to publish quantifiable results to ensure the safety and efficacy of the implant. Founder Elon Musk had previously announced the implantation of the first human subject, whose identity was not disclosed at the time.
Despite the challenges faced by the company, they remain optimistic that Arbaugh’s accomplishments will bring positive attention to Neuralink and its groundbreaking technology. As more individuals like Arbaugh share their success stories, the hope is that Neuralink can continue to push the boundaries of what is possible for those with disabilities.
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