A New Milestone for Neuralink: Gaming with Brain Implants
In a groundbreaking development, the second human to receive a brain chip from Elon Musk’s Neuralink is now using the implant to play the popular PC game, Counter-Strike 2.
On Wednesday, Neuralink provided a status update on “Alex,” a man who lost control of his limbs following a spinal cord injury. Last month, Alex received the brain chip implant, and since then, he has been using it to remotely control a mouse on his laptop.
Gaming revolution
Previously, Alex had to rely on a mouth-operated controller known as a QuadStick to enjoy his favorite computer games, including Counter-Strike 2. This setup limited his ability to move and aim simultaneously, a significant disadvantage compared to regular players.
However, the Neuralink brain chip has revolutionized Alex’s gaming experience. He can now aim with the implant while simultaneously moving using the QuadStick. “Just running around is so enjoyable because I can look side to side, and not need to move QuadStick left and right,” Alex shared in a Neuralink blog post. “I can [think about where to] look and it goes where I want it to. It’s insane.”
Showcasing the future: Alex’s gaming experience
Neuralink has uploaded a video demonstrating Alex using the implant to play the game. The footage shows him effortlessly gunning down a bot enemy and firing at another from a distance, showcasing the potential of this revolutionary technology.
In addition to gaming, Alex has been utilizing the implant to develop 3D designs using CAD software. One notable project includes creating a custom mount to hold the electric charger for his Neuralink implant, which was then 3D-printed.
Addressing challenges: Improvements in Neuralink’s technology
Neuralink’s blog post also addressed a critical issue faced during the implantation of the brain chip in their first patient, Noland Arbaugh. Despite a successful surgery, about 85% of the thread-based electrodes attached to Arbaugh’s brain later became displaced, affecting the chip’s ability to read neural signals fully.
To avoid a repeat of this issue with Alex, Neuralink implemented several “mitigations,” including reducing the likelihood of an air pocket forming during surgery and placing the implant deeper into the brain tissue. “Promisingly, we have observed no thread retraction in our second participant,” the company stated regarding Alex’s progress.
Looking ahead: Enhancing Neuralink’s capabilities
While it remains unclear whether Alex’s implant outperforms the brain chip in Arbaugh, Neuralink is actively working on enhancing the technology. The company aims to deliver full mouse and video game controller functionality and plans to enable the Link brain chip to interact with the physical world. This advancement could allow users to feed themselves and move more independently by controlling a robotic arm or their wheelchair.
In the words of Neuralink, “Additionally, we plan to enable the Link [brain chip] to interact with the physical world, allowing users to feed themselves and move more independently by controlling a robotic arm or their wheelchair.”