The latest update from Neuralink, the neuroscience company founded by Elon Musk, reveals that its second human subject, known only as Alex, is already achieving remarkable feats with the company’s brain-computer interface (BCI). Just a month after receiving the Neuralink implant, Alex has demonstrated the capability to play video games and use computer-aided design (CAD) software with unprecedented ease.
The implant, which received FDA approval for its second study earlier this year, is part of Neuralink’s effort to develop technology that enhances digital device control for people with quadriplegia. The goal is to enable users to manage everyday tasks with greater autonomy. According to Neuralink’s latest progress report, Alex has not only set a new record for brain-computer interface cursor control but has also engaged with advanced software tools.
On the first day of using the Neuralink Link implant, Alex managed to play Counter-Strike 2, a popular first-person shooter game. He reported that the experience was far superior to using a traditional mouth-operated joystick. “Just running around is so enjoyable because I can look side to side, and not need to move Quadstick left and right… I can [think about where to] look, and it goes where I want it to,” Alex said. His enthusiasm reflects the significant impact the technology has had on his gaming experience.
Beyond gaming, Alex has also successfully used the Link implant with Autodesk’s Fusion 360, a standard CAD software. He designed a custom mount for his Neuralink charger, which was then 3D printed and attached to his laptop stand. Neuralink is collaborating with Alex to enhance his productivity by mapping intended movements to different types of mouse clicks, such as left, right, and middle. This functionality allows Alex to swiftly navigate various modes in CAD software, including zooming, scrolling, and panning.
Alex expressed his excitement about the progress, stating, “I’m already super impressed with how this works. The Link is a big step on the path of regaining freedom and independence for myself.” His experience highlights the potential of Neuralink’s technology to significantly improve the quality of life for users with severe physical limitations.
Neuralink’s journey began with the implantation of its first BCI chip in January, involving a patient named Noland Arbaugh. Arbaugh, an Arizona resident who lost the use of his limbs due to an accident, experienced early successes with the technology. Despite some setbacks, including the slipping of Neuralink threads, Arbaugh was able to achieve impressive cursor control and reported substantial improvements in his ability to play games compared to traditional methods.
However, Neuralink’s path has not been entirely smooth. Reports indicate that the development of the brain-computer interface has involved substantial animal testing, with approximately 1,500 animals, mostly large mammals, having died during the research process. This has raised concerns about the ethics and safety of the technology’s development.
In May, Benjamin Rapoport, a co-founder of Neuralink, left the company citing safety concerns. Rapoport, who had dedicated much of his career to advancing neural interfaces, expressed his belief that there were safer alternatives for connecting humans to computers. “I’ve pretty much devoted my entire professional life to bringing neural interfaces from the world of science to the world of medicine,” Rapoport said. “But I felt that in order to move to the world of medicine and technology, safety is paramount.”
Despite these challenges, Neuralink continues to push forward with its ambitious plans. Elon Musk has voiced a bold vision for the future of the technology, predicting widespread adoption. “If all goes well, there will be hundreds of people with Neuralinks within a few years, maybe tens of thousands within five years, millions within ten years,” Musk stated on X (formerly Twitter), sharing his optimism about the project’s potential.
As Neuralink advances its technology, the impact on users like Alex demonstrates the significant strides being made in brain-computer interfacing. The company’s work aims to not only improve gaming experiences and software interactions but also to pave the way for greater independence and autonomy for individuals with severe physical disabilities.
The journey ahead for Neuralink will likely involve continued development and refinement of its technology, along with addressing ethical and safety concerns. As the company progresses, the real-world applications of its brain-computer interface will be closely watched, offering insight
