Elon Musk envisions a future where Neuralink’s brain chips will replace phones. In response to a post on X featuring an AI-generated image of Musk holding a phone with a neural network design on his forehead, he wrote, “In the future, there will be no phones, just Neuralinks.” Musk, who is also the CEO of Neuralink, is overseeing the company’s pioneering brain chip technology, currently undergoing its first human trials with 29-year-old Noland Arbaugh.
Arbaugh, who became paralyzed from the shoulders down due to an accident eight years ago, underwent brain surgery on January 28 and has shown promising recovery. Neuralink detailed his progress in a blog post after he reached the 100-day milestone. In March, Neuralink streamed a video highlighting Arbaugh’s journey and his newfound ability to engage in activities like playing chess. “It’s crazy, so cool. I am lucky to be a part of this. It seems every day I am learning something new,” he shared in the video.
Musk recently announced that Neuralink is now accepting applications for a second participant in their trial. He described the implant as a “Telepathy cybernetic brain implant that allows you to control your phone and computer just by thinking.”
Despite its advancements, Neuralink faces challenges. According to a report by the New York Post, former Neuralink animal care specialist Lindsay Short has filed a lawsuit against the company. She claims they did not provide adequate protective equipment while she cared for animals, some of which carried a dangerous virus capable of causing serious brain damage or death in humans.
