Neuralink's pioneering PRIME Study has expanded to include 21 participants worldwide as of January 2026, marking a significant advancement in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. Among these individuals is Audrey, the first female participant in the clinical trials, who, 20 years after a car accident left her paralyzed, is now using the Neuralink implant to create art with her mind. This development highlights the technology's potential to restore autonomy and open new avenues for expression for those with severe paralysis.
Audrey's journey, shared by Neuralink, underscores the transformative impact of the N1 Implant. "After a car accident left her paralyzed from the neck down, Audrey didn’t think she would be able to draw or paint again," Neuralink stated in a recent tweet. "20 years later, she became the first female participant in our clinical trials. Now, she uses her brain-computer interface to create art with her mind." She expressed, "My mind feels a little free. A little less in a box or shoved in a room all the time. It’s very freeing actually."
The PRIME Study, or Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface, evaluates the safety and initial effectiveness of Neuralink's N1 Implant and R1 Robot. The N1 Implant, surgically placed in the brain's motor cortex, records neural activity, allowing participants with quadriplegia to control external devices like computers and smartphones with their thoughts. This investigational trial aims to restore digital autonomy to individuals affected by spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Noland Arbaugh was the first human to receive the Neuralink implant in January 2024, demonstrating the ability to control a computer cursor and play games like online chess. Since then, the study has seen continuous progress, with participants achieving typing speeds of up to 40 words per minute and controlling robotic arms. The expansion to 21 participants, including individuals like Audrey who are exploring creative applications, showcases the growing capabilities and diverse potential of the BCI system.
Neuralink's technology, which received FDA approval for human trials in May 2023, is designed to decode intended movement signals from brain activity. The company reports zero serious device-related adverse events across participants, with signal quality improving in most recent cases. As trials continue to expand globally, Neuralink aims to refine its hardware and surgical techniques, moving closer to making BCI technology widely available.
