Paralyzed Patient With a Neuralink Chip Learnt to Control Robotic Arm With His Mind
Credit: Barrow Neurological Institute
Scientists have reported the first use of a robotic arm by a patient with a Neuralink implant. Alex Conley, who has a permanent spinal cord injury, was able to use the wheelchair-mounted manipulator as if it were his own arm, sending signals to it using his mind.
Previously, the Neuralink N1 implant, implanted directly into a patient’s brain, was limited to controlling a cursor or typing on a keyboard. Alex’s case became the first example of mental commands being translated into practical manipulation of surrounding objects: turning on a light, opening the refrigerator door, using a microwave to heat food, and eating it independently.
The patient underwent surgery to install the Neuralink N1 implant at the Barrow Neurological Institute. There, as part of the PRIME Study, he also received assistance in learning to mentally control a robotic arm.
This demonstration highlights the potential of brain implant technology to empower patients with severe neurological disorders, offering not only digital but also physical freedom, which simply cannot be overstated.
