Elon Musk’s brain chip Neuralink ‘Participant 1’ Noland Arbaugh on when he appeared on stage in a wheelchair during Neuralink 'All Hands meeting'

Elon Musk’s brain chip

Neuralink

’s first participant

Noland Arbaugh

has shared his experience after the implant. During Neuralink’s ‘All Hands’ meeting, Arbaugh, the company’s first human brain chip recipient appeared on stage in a wheelchair to share how the technological experiment has transformed his life in the past 18 months. For those unaware, Arbaugh was paralysed from the shoulders down after a diving accident in 2016. Arbaugh became the first person to receive Neuralink’s

brain-computer implant

in early 2024. After the surgery, he has been able to control a computer cursor, play chess and also browse the internet only with the help of his thoughts.

This has changed my life: Noland Arbaugh

Speaking to the employees at Neuralink’s all-hands meeting, Argbaugh described the experience as ‘life-changing’. Argbaugh emphasised that new chip implant has offered him a new sense of independence and connection. “I can’t move my body, but I can move my mind,” he said, drawing applause from the audience. His appearance was both technical showcase and a personal moment, highlighting the human impact of Neuralink’s ambitious mission to merge brains with machines.

Elon Musk’s vision in action

Neuralink was founded by Elon Musk with an idea of developing brain implants which can be used to treat neurological conditions, restore mobility and also enable human-AI symbiosis. Arbaugh’s growth after surgery is seen as a major milestone for the company. Neuralink has faced a lot of scrutiny over ethics, safety and regulatory hurdles to reach at this point. Elon Musk was also present at the all hands meeting and he praised Arbaugh’s courage and the team’s work. Musk called the demonstration as ‘a glimpse into the future of human potential.’

What’s next for Neuralink

The company is now working on its second

human trial

and plans to expand the scope of implant capabilities. Arbaugh’s continued involvement will serve as a benchmark for future participants, as Neuralink pushes toward broader clinical applications.