One year after Noland Arbaugh became the first human to be implanted with Neuralink’s brain interface chip referred to as “The Link,” the company is now moving to expand its brain chip trials to Miami.
“Today is the one-year anniversary of @ModdedQuad becoming the first person to receive our implant,” the Neuralink social media team recently said on X. “To Noland and our other trial participants: thank you for helping us create the best assistive technology we can. Innovation is impossible without pioneers like you.”
In early 2024, during clinical trials, Arbaugh, a 30-year-old quadriplegic who was paralyzed from the shoulders down after a diving accident, volunteered to receive Neuralink’s implant. He underwent surgery in January and has since shared his experience on X, detailing how the device has transformed his life.
With the implant, he has demonstrated the ability to control technology using only his thoughts—playing Mario Kart and chess without physical input.
“The surgery was super easy,” Arbaugh said in a video he posted on X in March.
Beyond Neuralink, Arbaugh is focused on self-improvement—relearning math, studying at Peterson Academy, reading extensively, and returning to creative writing. He has expressed interest in going back to school, possibly for neuroscience, and dreams of starting a charity, building a home for his parents, and advocating for his community.
While it’s unclear whether he is referring to the brain-interface or the quadriplegic community, Arbaugh has voiced deep gratitude for the support he has received and excitement for the future.
However, the clinical trials have not been without challenges. Neuralink reported that some of the implant’s ultra-thin threads, which connect to the brain, had retracted. The company responded by adjusting the chip’s algorithm to restore functionality.
Despite what could have been a major setback, Arbaugh remains optimistic. Sharing his thoughts on X, he wrote: “We’re waiting for FDA approval allowing me to control other physical machines such as a car, a drone, maybe a robot or two or 10,000. Something about making sure it’s safe…”
Arbaugh’s implant was performed at the Barrow Neurological Institute, a facility renowned for treating complex neurological conditions. Neuralink President DJ Seo has praised Barrow for its high-quality care and efficiency.
Now, Neuralink is expanding its clinical trials to Miami, where the Miller School of Medicine will become the second U.S. facility to test The Link. Researchers are currently seeking volunteers between the ages of 22 and 75 who have limited or no use of both hands to participate in the FDA-approved trial.
Dr. Allan Levi, the clinical director of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at UM’s medical school and one of the trial’s co-investigators, said in a phone interview, “Essentially, what the implant does is it connects a person’s thoughts to a digital device. I really think it’s going to be a game changer,” he said.
Marc Buoniconti, president of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at UM’s medical, said in a statement, “This collaboration represents another great opportunity to combine our clinical research expertise with the forward-thinking team at Neuralink.
“We hope this partnership is another significant step in finding meaningful solutions for the millions living with paralysis and other significant motor deficits,” he added.
Chrissy Newton is a PR professional and founder of VOCAB Communications. She hosts the Rebelliously Curious podcast, which can be found on The Debrief’s YouTube Channel. Follow her on X: @ChrissyNewton and at chrissynewton.com.