Neuralink: the first implanted man spent the night in front of Civilization VI

Neuralink, after looking for volunteers, tested its implants on a first human brain. Last February, Elon Musk announced that the operation had gone well and that the patient was able to control a mouse with his mind. Nolan Arbaugh, after a game of chess, moved up a gear by playing an entire night of Civilization VI.

The patient plays Civilization VI And Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

The 29-year-old spent a sleepless night playing the Firaxis strategy game, IGN tells us. Nolan Arbaugh was left paralyzed following a diving accident before receiving his Neuralink implant. Fan of Civilization VIthe patient had given up playing because of his disability.

Thanks to the Neuralink chip, the title is accessible to him again, as he explains: “I can literally lie in bed and then play to my heart’s content”. For the moment, the biggest obstacle according to him is to wait “that the implant recharges once it has been fully used”.

Nolan Arbaugh was also able to compete against his father and a friend in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The young man declares: “I came second several times […] I didn’t think it would be possible”.

Concerns surrounding the Neuralink implant

Despite this feat, the use of the Neuralink chip raises many questions. Concerns have been raised about the long-term effects of such a brain implant. The company received approval to begin human trials in May 2023, sparking controversy.

Previously, the company had faced controversy linked to the fact that macaques were used as guinea pigs. Disturbing details were revealed in an investigation by The Wiredparticularly concerning a female euthanized in September 2018 after long suffering or even implant placements that went wrong.