World's first commercial biological computer is here, powered by human brain cells

Innovative AI computer uses human neurons for learning, focuses on research and energy efficiency.

: Cortical Labs in Melbourne introduced CL1, the first commercial biological computer powered by human brain cells. It consists of hundreds of thousands of lab-cultivated neurons on silicon chips that learn quickly and efficiently. These systems can be rented or purchased, offering promising applications in medical research and low-power computing. Ethical concerns are taken seriously, with experts in bioethics being consulted.

The launch of the CL1 biological computer by Cortical Labs in Melbourne marks a significant milestone in the intersection of biology and technology. Described as the world's first commercialized biological computer, the CL1 utilizes human neurons cultivated from stem cells and integrates them with silicon hardware to create a hybrid computing system. This innovative approach, unconventional in the current field of AI, represents a striking advancement, pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence configurations.

The CL1 system operates by housing hundreds of thousands of human brain cells that form neural networks. These networks interface with computer systems to receive data, perform computations, and produce outputs via neuron firing patterns. Compared to traditional AI systems, CL1's biological components promise rapid learning and the ability to intuitively infer from limited data, which is seen as transformative for fields such as medical research requiring quick adaptation to new information and patterns.

Another critical advantage highlighted by Cortical Labs is the energy efficiency of biological neurons, consuming only a few watts. This efficiency potentially addresses one of the fundamental challenges facing current AI models, which often have immense power requirements. Brett Kagan, the Chief Science Officer at Cortical Labs, emphasized the potential of CL1 to revolutionize areas requiring ultra-low-power computing.

However, there are concerns and debates regarding the ethical implications of using human neurons in computing. Critics, such as Ernst Wolvetang from the University of Queensland, appreciate the technology's advancements but call attention to the simplicity of the cell layers compared to the human brain's complexity. There's also an ethical dialogue concerning the consciousness or sentience of these neurons, with Cortical Labs making sure to consult bioethics experts to avoid creating discomfort or suffering in their setups.

The CL1's application is initially being positioned as a platform for researchers and technology companies, facilitated through a "Wetware-as-a-Service" model. Customers can access these neurocomputers via cloud-like remote interfaces, offering unprecedented opportunities for experimentation and potentially evolving into fully-fledged, practical applications. Past successes, such as training neurons to play Pong, underline the prospects of this biological computer in driving forward new innovations in ways not previously imagined.

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