Neuralink’s First Human Patient: Analyzing Data Rates and Control

The boundary between human biology and digital technology blurred significantly in January 2024 when Neuralink successfully implanted its N1 device into a human brain for the first time. The patient, Noland Arbaugh, has since provided researchers with unprecedented data regarding the capabilities of modern Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs). For observers tracking the progress of neurotechnology, the focus has shifted from the surgery itself to the hard numbers: specific data transfer rates, cursor control accuracy, and the practical application of the chip in daily life.

Who is the First Patient?

Noland Arbaugh is a 30-year-old Arizona resident who was left quadriplegic after a diving accident in 2016. The injury dislocated his C4 and C5 vertebrae, leaving him paralyzed from the shoulders down. Before the Neuralink procedure, Arbaugh relied on a mouth stick (a stylus held in the teeth) to interact with tablet computers. This method was functional but physically limiting and prevented him from speaking while using the device.

Arbaugh volunteered for Neuralink’s “PRIME Study” (Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface), which received FDA approval for human trials in mid-2023. The goal was not to cure his paralysis immediately but to prove the safety of the implant and assess its ability to provide digital autonomy.

Analyzing Data Transfer Rates: The BPS Metric

In the field of BCIs, performance is often measured in bits per second (BPS). This metric combines the speed of cursor movement with the accuracy of target selection. It essentially measures how much information the brain can successfully transmit to the computer in a given timeframe.

Breaking Records

Shortly after the surgery, Neuralink engineers reported that Arbaugh achieved a cursor control speed that set a new world record for human BCI control.

• Initial Performance: Arbaugh reached speeds of approximately 8.0 to 10.0 bits per second (BPS) during grid selection tasks.
• Comparison: Standard BCI technologies often struggle to maintain consistent speeds above 3.0 or 4.0 BPS.
• Non-Disabled Benchmark: For context, a human using a physical mouse typically operates between 15 and 20 BPS. While Arbaugh has not yet matched manual input speeds, he has significantly narrowed the gap compared to previous assistive technologies.

The system decodes “intention.” Arbaugh does not think “move cursor right.” Instead, he imagines the physical sensation of moving his hand to the right. The 1,024 electrodes on the N1 implant detect the neural activity associated with that motor intention and translate it into digital motion almost instantly.

Real-World Control Capabilities

The raw numbers are impressive, but the practical application reveals the true utility of the device. Arbaugh has demonstrated complex control capabilities that go beyond simple point-and-click tasks.

Gaming Performance

One of the most publicized demonstrations involved Arbaugh playing Civilization VI. This strategy game requires complex menu navigation, map scrolling, and unit management.

• Endurance: On one occasion, Arbaugh played the game for eight consecutive hours. He only stopped because the implant’s battery required recharging.
• Precision: He has also played chess online and competed against his father in Mario Kart. In Mario Kart, the system had to interpret continuous input (steering) rather than just discrete clicks.
• User Experience: Arbaugh described the control mechanism as feeling like “The Force” from Star Wars. He simply looks at a location on the screen and intends for the cursor to be there, and it happens.

The Hardware Challenge: Thread Retraction

Despite the early success, the trial faced a significant hardware hurdle roughly one month after surgery. Neuralink disclosed that a number of the ultra-fine threads (thinner than a human hair) had retracted from Arbaugh’s brain tissue.

The Impact on Data

The retraction meant fewer electrodes were recording neural signals. This led to a loss of data resolution.

• BPS Drop: The bits per second rate dropped as the system struggled to interpret the “noisier” signals clearly.
• Accuracy Issues: Cursor precision initially degraded, making it harder for Arbaugh to select small targets.

The Software Solution

Critics initially speculated that the device might need to be removed. However, Neuralink engineers solved the problem through software updates rather than surgery.

1. Algorithm Adjustment: The team modified the recording algorithm. Originally, it looked for specific neuron “spikes.” They adjusted it to read “neural population average power.” This means the system started listening to the collective volume of nearby neurons rather than trying to hear specific individual voices.
2. Sensitivity Tuning: They enhanced the sensitivity of the user interface. This allowed Arbaugh to move the cursor further with less mental effort, compensating for the weaker signal strength.

Following these updates, Arbaugh’s performance rebounded. He was able to surpass his initial world-record speeds even with fewer active threads.

Future Implications for BCI Tech

The data from Noland Arbaugh’s experience has directly influenced the protocol for Neuralink’s subsequent patients. For the second participant (named Alex), Neuralink implemented measures to prevent thread retraction. This included placing the threads deeper into the cortical tissue and reducing the gap between the implant casing and the brain surface to minimize movement.

Arbaugh’s experience proved that high-fidelity control is possible wirelessley. Previous high-bandwidth BCIs required a “pedestal” connector protruding from the skull, tethering the user to a computer. The N1 is fully implantable and charges inductively. This form factor, combined with the proven data transfer rates, suggests that high-speed digital control for paralyzed individuals is becoming a viable daily reality rather than just a laboratory experiment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Noland Arbaugh charge the Neuralink battery? The N1 implant uses inductive charging, similar to wireless phone chargers. Arbaugh wears a specialized baseball cap containing a charging coil. He can use the device while it charges, allowing for extended sessions.

Can the device read Noland’s private thoughts? No. The N1 implant is placed in the motor cortex, which governs movement. It detects electrical signals related to motor intention (moving a hand or arm). It does not have access to parts of the brain responsible for memory, inner monologue, or visual processing.

What happens if the device fails completely? The N1 is designed to be explantable. If the device fails or technology improves significantly, it can be surgically removed or replaced, though any brain surgery carries inherent risks.

How does this compare to other BCI implants like Synchron? Synchron uses a “stentrode” placed inside a blood vessel near the brain, requiring no open skull surgery. While safer to install, it typically offers lower data transfer rates compared to Neuralink, which places electrodes directly into brain tissue for higher resolution signal capture.

Is Noland Arbaugh paid to be a participant? Participants in clinical trials like the PRIME Study typically have their medical costs covered and may receive stipends for their time and travel, but they are generally not paid large salaries to prevent ethical conflicts regarding coercion.