Elon Musk’s April 2021 video of a macaque named Pager playing Pong telepathically using a Neuralink brain implant went viral, showcasing both brain-computer interface potential and ethical concerns.
The Demonstration
Pager had coin-sized Neuralink chips implanted in both sides of his brain six weeks earlier. He learned to play Pong using a joystick for banana smoothie rewards while the chip recorded neuron firing patterns. Then the joystick was disconnected - Pager continued playing using thought alone, controlling the paddle with 100% brain signals.
Viral Response
The nine-minute video garnered 30+ million views in days. “Telepathic monkey plays video games” captured imaginations. Musk’s tweet: “Soon our monkey will be on Twitch and Discord.” The demonstration made brain-computer interfaces feel imminent and accessible, not distant sci-fi.
The Technology
Neuralink’s device contains 1,024 electrodes recording from neurons. Machine learning decodes neural patterns into intended movements. Earlier demos showed pigs with implants (2020), but Pager’s gameplay demonstrated precise real-time control - a major leap.
The Goal
Musk’s stated aim: help paralyzed people use computers and phones, eventually treat neurological conditions like Parkinson’s, depression, and blindness. Long-term vision: human-AI symbiosis, preventing humans from being “left behind” by AI. “This is not a mandatory thing,” Musk insisted.
Animal Welfare Concerns
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine alleged 23 monkeys died during Neuralink testing, some from infections, hemorrhages, and psychological distress. Neuralink denied wrongdoing, claiming it met all animal welfare standards. FDA approved human trials in 2023 despite the controversies.
Human Trials
In January 2024, Neuralink implanted its first human patient. Success would represent a paradigm shift for paralysis treatment - but risks include infection, immune rejection, and long-term brain tissue damage.
Source: Neuralink Pager Video