Nathan Copeland, 36 years old, was paralyzed from the chest down after a traffic accident in 2004, leaving him unable to move or feel any of his limbs. In 2014, he joined a study at the University of Pittsburgh to explore whether brain-computer interfaces could restore some functionality to individuals with severe spinal cord injuries. During this study, Copeland underwent brain surgery. In 2015, following the surgery, a pencil eraser-sized implant was placed in his brain, fundamentally changing his life. The implant, consisting of a series of electrodes that converted brain signals into patterns, enabled him to control external devices such as playing video games and moving a robotic arm, simply by thinking.
When the implant was first installed, neither Copeland nor the medical team knew how long the device would last, and it was estimated it might work for no more than five years, based on tests done with monkeys. However, the outcome was surprising: Copeland has been using the system for seven years without any issues. He can now play games and control his tablet, demonstrating the remarkable potential of brain-computer interface technology.
https://www.wired.com/story/this-man-set-the-record-for-wearing-a-brain-computer-interface/