Audrey Crews, first woman to get Neuralink chip, can now write and draw with her mind after 20 years of paralysis

 

     

Audrey Crews, who has been paralyzed for 20 years, has made headlines as the first woman to receive Elon Musk's Neuralink brain chip implant, and is now able to write and draw using only her thoughts.

Crews, identified as "P9" in Neuralink's PRIME clinical trial, shared her progress on X (formerly Twitter), including a photo of her name "Audrey" scrawled on a digital whiteboard, along with various doodles like hearts, flowers, and even a slice of pizza. She posted, "I tried writing my name for the first time in 20 years. I'm working on it. Lol #Neuralink."

     

      

      

The Neuralink device, about the size of a quarter, was implanted in her motor cortex during surgery at the University of Miami Health Center. It works by interpreting brain activity and translating it into commands for digital devices, such as a computer cursor or keyboard. Crews clarified that while the implant allows her to control a computer with her mind, it will not restore her ability to walk or regain physical movement; it's strictly for "telepathy."

     

       

Elon Musk himself responded to Crews's post, stating, "She is controlling her computer just by thinking. Most people don't realise it is possible."

Crews's ability to communicate and create digitally after two decades of paralysis represents a significant milestone for Neuralink and brain-computer interface technology, offering hope for increased digital independence for individuals with severe neurological conditions. She plans to write a book about her journey.