Neura Pod (All Things Neuralink) The Man Who Uses a Brain Chip to Control A Robotic Arm
Jan 15, 2026
In this discussion, Alex Conley, a participant in Neuralink's Convoy Study, shares his journey using a Neuralink brain implant to control a robotic arm. He dives into his personal experience with spinal cord injury and rehabilitation, and the innovative technology that enables him to manage everyday tasks. Alex talks about the surgery, calibration process, and the impressive low latency of the system. He also offers insights into the emotional value of regaining independence and the development of assistive tech like QuadStick for gaming and control.
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First Neuralink Convoy Participant
- Alex Conley is the first person in Neuralink's Convoy Study and the second ever to receive a Neuralink implant.
- He demonstrates telepathic control of a robotic arm using real-time brain decoding and iterative calibration.
Calibration Through Imagined Targets
- Calibration uses imagined movements to specific targets to capture neural 'snapshots' for initial models.
- Neuralink builds closed-loop models by combining table, mirror, and wall plane calibrations for 3D control.
User-Defined Safety Zones
- Safety zones around the user (head zone, slow zone, hard-stop) let the robot slow or stop near sensitive areas.
- Users can adjust zones to match chair position or nearby objects for safer daily use.