Nolan Arbo became the first user to try Neuralink’s brain computer interface, an initiative developed by Elon Musk’s company. He described his experience living with the implanted device and shared thoughts on the benefits and drawbacks of neurotechnology after the procedure. The account reflects a personal journey from disability to renewed interaction with daily life through a highly advanced system that links neural activity to digital control.
Arbo, who was paralyzed from the neck down following an accident in 2016, underwent a procedure in which a computer circuit board was installed on the skull and a tiny array of electrodes was placed within the brain. He reports that the implant is largely undetectable to him in everyday use and that, had he not known about the operation, he would likely forget the device exists at all. This subtlety underscores how seamlessly such neurotechnology can integrate with a person’s body over time.
The impact on Arbo’s life has been substantial. He describes a marked enhancement in his ability to engage with the surrounding world, with Neuralink enabling him to regain access to online services, communication channels, and a range of digital tools. Within days of the surgery, he learned to move a cursor with his thoughts, using a dedicated interface to browse websites, send messages, interact with applications, and even play video games. Among his favorite titles are strategy classics such as chess and Civilization VI, which he enjoys controlling through mental commands rather than traditional input devices.
A practical tradeoff remains: the device requires regular charging, which can interrupt extended gaming sessions or other activities. In one February incident, the implant malfunctioned and Arbo lost a large portion of its functionality. The issue was traced to the device itself, not a user error, as the electrode array had shifted. Neuralink engineers adjusted the operating algorithm, restoring most of the implant’s capabilities and demonstrating the system’s resilience and the importance of continual calibration in brain computer interfaces.
The Neuralink program traces its public milestones back to 2016, with a notable demonstration in 2019 showing how a device could transmit brain signals via Bluetooth. The company began enrolling volunteers for brain implantation the following year and has pursued studies aimed at evaluating the safety and feasibility of the surgical robotics used for implantation. Earlier animal trials, including a monkey performing tasks with the help of the implant, helped establish a baseline for how the technology translates neural activity into device control. These steps illustrate a careful progression from laboratory research to human trials while addressing safety considerations that matter to potential users and regulators alike. Source: Scientific communications and project updates
Additional context around public perceptions of Neuralink and related demonstrations has periodically surfaced in media reports, including videos and commentary from various observers. These materials contribute to a broader conversation about how brain computer interfaces could shape mobility, communication, and everyday independence for people with neurological limitations. The dialogue continues as researchers refine hardware stability, software reliability, and ethical guidelines to ensure responsible deployment of such transformative tech.