Neuralink Patient Uses Thoughts to Control Matic Robot Vacuum
Neuralink patient Zach Mcmanus uses the Matic app’s existing joystick to steer a robot around his home with his thoughts, showing how brain–computer interfaces could make household robots more accessible.
Matic Robots has shared a demonstration of a Neuralink patient steering a Matic robot around his home using his thoughts, offering a glimpse of how brain–computer interfaces could make household robots more accessible.
In a November 2 post on X, Matic identified the participant as Zach Mcmanus, Neuralink patient No. 22.
Zach is controlling Matic with his mind 🤯 Neuralink patient #22 is using his thoughts to move Matic around his home This is incredible, @elonmusk @neuralink https://t.co/yOe13PW5Mk
— Matic Robots (@maticrobots) November 2, 2026
In an interview with JoshWest247, Zach explained that he uses Neuralink to operate the Matic app’s existing joystick, with a dongle enabling control through his phone or laptop.
He said the setup worked immediately and that the laptop’s larger screen made the robot easier to steer.
Neuralink’s surgically implanted brain–computer interface translates brain activity into commands for digital devices.
The technology is being tested to help people with paralysis control devices through intended movements and remains experimental, with access limited to clinical trials.
Zach’s demonstration shows how that control could extend to household robots through an existing app.
