Paralyzed Man Plays Chess Via Neuralink
The recipient of the brain implant describes it as "wild."
In a striking example of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology's capabilities, 29-year-old Noland Arbaugh, who is paralyzed from the shoulders down, demonstrated how he can play online chess. Utilizing a Neuralink brain implant, Arbaugh participated in a chess game during a live stream on X (formerly known as Twitter) on July 21, 2023. After a diving accident resulted in his paralysis, the Neuralink device now enables him to move a cursor on the screen merely by imagining its movement. Arbaugh described the process as both "intuitive" and "wild." Accompanying him in the live stream was Bliss Chapman, Neuralink's brain interface software lead, who discussed the technology's specifications and highlighted the remarkable strides being made in this innovative field.
While Arbaugh's brain is real, the demonstration aligns with the broader excitement surrounding machine-facilitated intelligence and its potential, both in practical applications and as an investment opportunity. Tony Wang, the manager of the $9 billion T. Rowe Price Science & Technology Fund, is particularly optimistic about the prospects of AI, focusing heavily on Nvidia Corp., which has seen its value soar by over 80% since the beginning of the year. Nvidia's success has positioned it at the forefront of the AI investment boom, a movement Wang is confident in, despite concerns of an overheating market. His fund, which outperformed 99% of its peers last year, has continued its strong performance into this year, largely attributed to the burgeoning AI sector.
As technology continues to advance, the intersection of brain-computer interfaces like Neuralink and the burgeoning field of AI investment exemplifies the dual tracks of progress in the world of technology: practical, life-changing applications for individuals and potentially lucrative opportunities for investors. With individuals like Arbaugh benefiting from these technological advances and investors like Wang capitalizing on the growth of AI, the horizon looks promising for both the technology sector and those it serves.
