Weird New Computer Runs AI on Captive Human Brain Cells
Weird New Computer Runs AI on Captive Human Brain Cells
Cortical Labs, an Australian startup, has unveiled the world’s first commercial biological computer, the CL1, which runs on living human brain cells. This innovative device, launched on March 2, 2025, in Barcelona, integrates lab-grown neurons with silicon chips to create a new category of AI called “Synthetic Biological Intelligence” (SBI). The CL1 is expected to revolutionize scientific and medical research by offering faster learning capabilities and significantly lower energy consumption compared to traditional silicon-based AI.
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Key Features:
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Biological Neurons: The CL1 uses hundreds of thousands of lab-grown human neurons, each roughly the size of an ant brain, cultivated on a silicon chip.
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Energy Efficiency: The system consumes less energy and requires minimal training data to master complex tasks.
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Learning Capabilities: The neurons form dynamic, self-organizing networks that can learn and adapt more efficiently than artificial neural networks.
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Applications: Potential uses include drug discovery, robotics, and personalized medicine.
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Availability: The first CL1 units will be available for shipping in June 2025, with each unit costing approximately $35,000.
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Ethical Considerations:
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Cortical Labs has implemented guardrails to address ethical concerns related to consciousness and sentience, though details are limited.
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This breakthrough represents a significant step forward in the integration of biology and technology, with the potential to transform various fields and open new avenues for research and innovation.
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