Cortical Labs, an Australian startup based in Melbourne, has launched the CL1, the world’s first commercial biological computer powered by living human brain cells.
If you take a bird’s-eye view and look upon the inventions of the world, you’ll understand that the most complicated machine ever made is none other than ‘human brain’. At first, the brains were striving to invent or create things that helped mankind in easing the efforts and saving time. Then the brains tried to mimic its functionality to create systems such as artificial intelligence that helps to lessen the thinking efforts. Now taking to the next level, few brains from a startup in Australia came up with a new system which is actually powered by the cells of human brain.
Cortical Labs – the startup, unveiled the world’s first commercial biological computer “CL1” at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. This biocomputer, described as a “body in a box,” has the potential to revolutionize AI and robotics. Cortical Labs is aiming to exploit the energy efficiency and learning capacity of neurons to develop a new generation of intelligent computer systems.
How CL1 Works
The CL1 biocomputer by Cortical Labs functions through a combination of lab-grown human neurons and a silicon chip, enabling a unique approach to computation. The process begins with creating neurons from blood cells, which are converted into stem cells and then into neurons in a lab. These lab-grown neurons are carefully placed onto a silicon chip equipped with electrodes.
Once on the chip, the neurons form interconnected networks. These networks are dynamic and continuously adapt, mirroring the behavior of neurons in a human brain. To enable computation, the neurons are “taught” using a feedback mechanism. The chip provides small amounts of random or patterned information to the neurons.
If a neuron responds correctly to the stimulus, it receives patterned data, acting as a reward. Conversely, an incorrect response results in the neuron receiving random information. This feedback loop is crucial for the neurons to learn and refine their responses over time.
The entire setup is integrated with Cortical Labs’ Biological Intelligence Operating System (biOS). This system enables users to deploy code through the neurons and perform computing tasks. The CL1 also incorporates a sophisticated life support system. This internal system meticulously controls temperature, mixes gases, and filters waste to maintain optimal conditions for the neurons. The life support system ensures the neurons remain alive and functional for up to six months.
Cortical Labs employs 2D neuronal networks, where neurons are positioned flat on the chip. Furthermore, the CL1 can be accessed and utilized remotely through a cloud-based system called “Wetware-as-a-Service”. In summary, the CL1 merges biological neurons with traditional computing technology. By stimulating and training neurons grown on a chip, the system is designed to perform computational tasks, presenting a novel method for achieving AI and computing.
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Key Features and Benefits
One of the key features of the CL1 is its efficiency. Biological systems can learn and adapt more efficiently than conventional silicon-based computers, while also using significantly less energy. The current generation of traditional AI models consumes extreme amounts of power to produce results. In contrast, the CL1 uses just a few watts of power. This makes it a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option for certain computing tasks.
Another significant benefit of the CL1 is its learning speed. Brains can infer from small amounts of data and make complex decisions much faster than traditional AI systems. What humans, mice, cats, and birds can do is infer from very small amounts of data and then make complex decisions. An early version of the computer, with 800,000 human and mouse neurons on a chip, taught itself to play Pong. DishBrain, as the system was called then, was not a pro Pong player, as it hit only slightly more balls than it missed. However, it was better than a system that had received stimulus but no feedback. The neuron is self-programming and infinitely flexible because it is the result of four billion years of evolution. The neural systems require minimal energy and training data to master complex tasks.
The versatility of the CL1 is another important feature. The CL1 can be used for disease modeling, drug testing, and other applications. Brett Kagan is excited to see how groups might use CL1 in ways “not yet imagined”. It could be applied in disease modeling or drug testing. The ultimate goal is to harness these cells for intelligence. The CL1 is not intended to replace current AI methods but to be useful in specific situations, such as medical research.
The first CL1 computers are expected to ship to customers in June, with each unit costing around $35,000. Cortical Labs also plans to offer a “Wetware-as-a-Service” cloud-like system for remote access to the CL1.
Future Implications
Cortical Labs is aware of the ethical implications of using brain cells in a computer. While current organoids are not as complex as a brain, there are concerns about larger networks potentially developing consciousness or an understanding of their condition. The company is working with bioethicists to avoid causing any suffering and to ensure the system is used ethically. They hope to use these neurons as a type of circuit, testing and assessing the system as it goes.
Cortical Labs envisions a future where biological computer enhance research in medicine, robotics, and AI. While acknowledging limitations, the company aims to harness the unique intelligence of neurons for specific tasks. Cortical Labs aspires to be like Nvidia and the future holds the key to the question.
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