Elon Musk's Neuralink second patient plays video game using only his mind
A person named Alex is the second individual to receive a brain implant from Elon Musk’s company, Neuralink. Alex lost control of his limbs due to a spinal injury, but now, thanks to the Neuralink implant, he can play the video game Counter-Strike 2.
The surgery took place last month at Barrow Neurological Institute in Arizona and went smoothly. Alex has been recovering well. The implant, called the Link, is designed to help people with quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs) control digital devices, with the goal of restoring some ability to use their limbs.
To play the game, Alex uses a special joystick operated with his mouth, called a Quadstick, which is designed for people with quadriplegia. He moves his character using the Quadstick and, amazingly, aims his weapons just by thinking.
Alex has also started using the Link for creative tasks, like learning to design 3D objects using CAD software. His first project was a custom mount for the Link’s charger, which he designed and then 3D-printed. This shows the potential of the Link to help users take on complex tasks, making it a big step towards a more normal life.
Neuralink had to solve some technical issues after their first patient, Noland Arbaugh, had problems with the implant. During Noland’s surgery, about 85% of the electrodes in his brain came loose. Neuralink made some improvements for Alex’s surgery, like reducing the gap between the implant and the brain and stabilizing the brain during surgery. These changes have kept Alex’s implant working without any issues so far.
Looking ahead, Neuralink plans to develop better controls for full mouse and video game use. They also hope to let users interact with the physical world through robotic arms or powered wheelchairs.
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