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Neuralink Patients Control Robotic Arms Using Thoughts

Does brain-computer technology threaten mental privacy and cognitive liberty, or expand human capabilities and independence?

Published 1 day ago·Updated 5 hours ago

Neuralink Patients Control Robotic Arms Using Thoughts

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Above: Neuralink patient, Nick Wray, controls a robotic arm using his Neuralink device on Oct. 10, 2025. Image credit: Neuralink via X (Fair Use)

The Spin

Techno-optimist narrative

Neuralink is redefining independence by showing that losing movement doesn’t mean losing control. Patients with paralysis and ALS are gaming, typing, designing and even lifting a cup to drink using only their thoughts. This is more than assistive tech, it’s autonomy restored. And it may be the first step toward responsible digital co-existence with AI, where humans interface directly with machines to make life easier, freer and more accessible for everyone.

Mario Nawfal on X ZME Science

Neuralink on X

Techno-skeptic narrative

What this fundamentally comes down to is protecting mental privacy and cognitive liberty. While it's positive that brain-computer interfaces like Neuralink can restore autonomy for people with paralysis or ALS, they also decode thoughts, intentions and emotions. Without explicit legal protections, neural data could be exploited for surveillance, commercial gain or coercion, leaving individuals vulnerable to intrusion and loss of control over their own minds.

The Times of Israel Canadian Affairs

Metaculus Prediction

There is a 50% chance that the FDA will grant Neuralink permission to sell and implant a brain-machine interface device into general consumers by January 2034, according to the Metaculus prediction community.