Who is Audrey Crews? Paralysed woman writes her name after 20 years using Elon Musk's Neuralink brain chip

Time of India

2 days ago

Source: X (Audrey Crews)
In a groundbreaking medical and technological milestone, Audrey Crews, a woman paralysed for 20 years, has become the first Neuralink patient to publicly demonstrate thought-based computer control.
With the help of a brain chip developed by
Elon Musk
's Neuralink, Crews successfully moved a digital cursor and signed her name on a computer screen—using nothing but her thoughts. Her achievement, revealed through a viral social media post, not only showcases Neuralink's cutting-edge brain-computer interface (BCI) technology but also offers a glimpse into a future where individuals with paralysis may regain independence in ways previously unimaginable.
Audrey Crews' achievement is more than a technological demonstration—it is a symbol of hope for millions living with paralysis. With Neuralink pushing boundaries, we are witnessing the early steps toward a future where physical disability does not limit a person's ability to connect, communicate, and create.
Who is Audrey Crews and why is this moment historic
Audrey Crews, also known as 'Patient P9' in Neuralink's clinical trial program, had lived with complete paralysis for two decades due to a severe spinal cord injury. Earlier this month, she underwent a brain chip implant procedure at the University of Miami Health Centre. Shortly after surgery, she shared an image on X (formerly Twitter) showing her digitally signed name with the caption:
'I tried writing my name for the first time in 20 years.'
Her post quickly went viral and was confirmed by Elon Musk, who wrote:
'She is controlling the computer entirely by thought.'
This demonstration represents a pivotal moment in medical neurotechnology, similar in significance to the first use of prosthetic limbs or cochlear implants.
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by Taboola
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What is Neuralink and how does it work
Founded in 2016 by Elon Musk, Neuralink is developing brain-computer interfaces (BCIs)—devices designed to establish a direct communication link between the human brain and external machines.
Neuralink's three product goals:
Telepathy – A BCI enabling individuals with physical disabilities to control computers and devices through neural signals.
Blindsight – A vision restoration system bypassing damaged optic nerves by stimulating the brain's visual cortex.
Deep – A neuromodulation platform aimed at managing conditions such as Parkinson's disease and epilepsy.
By decoding brain signals and transmitting them wirelessly, these interfaces can allow paralyzed individuals to type, move robotic arms, operate wheelchairs, and potentially regain mobility.
Neuralink has now implanted its device in at least five human participants, each showing the ability to control external systems purely through thought.
How does the Neuralink brain chip function
The Neuralink chip consists of ultra-thin electrode threads surgically implanted into specific regions of the brain responsible for motor control.
Signal collection: The electrodes pick up electrical activity generated by neurons during movement intention.
AI decoding: Advanced machine learning algorithms decode these neural signals in real time, identifying the user's intended action.
Wireless transmission: The interpreted data is transmitted to a computer, where it translates into specific commands like moving a cursor, typing, or even controlling robotic limbs.
In Audrey's case, this technology allowed her to move a digital cursor and write her signature—tasks she had been unable to perform for 20 years.
Why is this a breakthrough for people with paralysis
For individuals living with paralysis, everyday tasks such as writing, typing, or even using a smartphone become impossible without assistance. Neuralink's brain chip offers hope by bypassing damaged spinal cord pathways and directly linking thoughts to actions.
Independence: Users can communicate, work, and interact with digital systems without physical movement.
Rehabilitation potential: With future iterations, patients might control wheelchairs, exoskeletons, or prosthetic limbs.
Medical insights: The data collected could deepen our understanding of neurological disorders and pave the way for targeted therapies.
What's next for Neuralink
The company is still in its early clinical trial phase, focusing on ensuring safety, reliability, and accuracy of its implants. The roadmap includes expanding to more patients and exploring applications beyond paralysis, such as restoring vision and treating neurological diseases.
Elon Musk has emphasized that Neuralink aims to make brain-computer interfaces as common as LASIK eye surgery within the next decade. If successful, the implications for healthcare, human-machine interaction, and even general computing could be revolutionary.
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