Instead of electrical wiring and the use of digital doors to process information, biological computers use chemical inputs and other molecules of biological origin, such as proteins and DNA. This allows them Perform calculations and analyze data in a somewhat rudimentary way, but equally reliable. It is not a new technology, but is limited to laboratories and large educational institutions.
Now, Cortical Labs has announced, within the framework of the Mobile World Congress, The commercial launch of the CL1, the first biological computer that integrates neurons grown from human stem cells with silicon technology.
This advance aims Develop “synthetic biological intelligence” (SBI), combining the adaptability of human neurons with traditional computer processing power.
CL1 has applications in both medical science and technology. Can, for example, Improve drug discovery, facilitate more precise drug tests and allow personalized medicine.
The ability of the system to learn and adapt more efficiently than Silicon -based AIwhile consumes less energy, it also makes it valuable for robotics and automation.
“This is the culmination of a vision that has promoted Cortical Labs for almost six years -explained in the presentation Hon Weng Chong, founder and executive director of Cortical Labs -. We have enjoyed a series of critical advances in recent years, as an electrophysiological stimulation and registration system to imitate the Pong game. However, our long -term mission has been to democratize this technology, making it accessible to researchers without specialized hardware or software. While today’s announcement is incredibly exciting, it is the basis for the next stage of innovation. The impact and real implications will come from each researcher, academic or innovative who is based on it. ”
During the presentation, Dr. Sandra Acosta, attached professor at the University of Barcelona, I directedeither A demonstrationeithern live of the CL1 and emphasizeeither its potential, stating that “CL1 is a tool increaseYoble to grow our neurons in a completely controlled environmentwhich allows us to monitor and modify its characterYoElectrophisiol SticicseitherGICAS. This is definitely an inflexi pointeithern for long -term experiments that avoid risky and disruptive movements outside the incubator. ”
CL1 is designed with a completely programmable bidirectional stimulation interface, a incorporated life support system for neurons and a Python API for perfect integration into several applications. Each unit is autonomous, including all the necessary components to register and maintain neurons.
In order for the “conventional” computer system and neurons to work together, a common link is necessary. And the person responsible is a biological intelligence operating system called ‘BIOS’ (Biological Intelligence Operating System) that has also developed the team of Hon Weng Chong. Basically, it is an operating system, as well as the one that allows mobile phones, only in this case, instead of sending information from the microchip to applications, The system gives data to neurons in the form of electrical impulses And these, when programmable, can act as various applications.
Unfortunately, This does not mean that we will have computers that work with neurons shortlybut it does mean that we are getting closer to creating a system in which neurons and silicon work together, on a much cheaper platform than we had so far.