Neuralink’s First Human Test Subject Becomes a Living Symbol of Brain-Machine Freedom

18 months after becoming the first human implanted with Elon Musk’s Neuralink brain chip, Noland Arbaugh, referred to as “Participant 1” (P1), describes his life as “transformed.” Arbaugh, who suffered a spinal injury in 2016, lost movement and sensation below his shoulders. In January 2024, he became the first to receive a Neuralink implant, a device with over 1,000 electrodes embedded in the motor cortex of his brain to facilitate control of digital devices using only his thoughts. During an interview, Arbaugh noted that the device enabled him to perform tasks such as playing video games, controlling his television, and managing household appliances without physical movement. He also mentioned beating a 2017 world record for speed and precision in brain-computer interface (BCI) cursor control on the first day of using the device.

Arbaugh’s surgery, conducted at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, lasted approximately two hours and involved a robotically guided system developed by Neuralink. The device is wireless, but it requires recharging roughly every five hours, a process Arbaugh has adapted to by embedding the charging coil into hats. Neuralink’s device distinguishes itself from competitors by offering higher electrode connectivity and a more invasive approach, targeting the motor cortex, which is responsible for movement. The company’s goal is to develop a full-brain interface, and Arbaugh has become a key voice in Neuralink’s public narrative.

Since his surgery, Arbaugh has become more active, taking classes at his local community college and pursuing a degree in neuroscience. He is also developing a speaking business, offering live talks and professional engagements. Arbaugh described the change as profound, noting that he had previously felt “waiting for something to happen,” but now sees himself as someone with a sense of purpose and potential. He emphasized that the technology has not only improved his autonomy but also reignited a sense of direction.

Arbaugh voluntarily chose to reveal his identity publicly in early 2024 during a Neuralink “all hands” meeting, where he was greeted with applause by Neuralink employees. He explained that he wanted to show the public that the device was safe and to encourage others to consider its potential benefits. Neuralink did not impose restrictions on what he could say, and he described his interactions with the company as collaborative. However, he also took responsibility for not disclosing certain setbacks, such as an incident where some of the device’s threads retracted, temporarily affecting his control. He chose to wait for the team to resolve the issue before speaking publicly, believing it was important to avoid undermining confidence in the technology.

Neuralink is continuing to expand its clinical trials, with eight additional participants now enrolled across the U.S., Canada, Great Britain, and the United Arab Emirates. All study participants suffer from conditions such as paralysis or ALS. The company’s summer update highlighted new initiatives, including the “Blindsight” trial in the UAE aimed at restoring vision for the blind and the development of robotic arms that could potentially allow users to control Tesla’s Optimus robot with their minds.

Despite its progress, Neuralink faces challenges, including criticism of its more-invasive BCI approach and scrutiny over past animal testing. The company has addressed these concerns by emphasizing its cautious, patient-focused development process. As Neuralink continues to grow, so too does its global recognition, with investors contributing hundreds of millions of dollars to support its mission. Arbaugh, who now sees himself as “a cyborg,” remains a central figure in Neuralink’s journey, embodying the potential of brain-computer interface technology to redefine human capability and autonomy.

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[1] Neuralink's first study participant says his whole life has changed (https://fortune.com/2025/08/23/neuralink-participant-1-noland-arbaugh-18-months-post-surgery-life-changed-elon-musk/)

[2] The Tech Titans Are Coming for Your Brain - CAFE (https://cafe.com/notes-from-contributors/the-tech-titans-are-coming-for-your-brain/)