Cortical Labs Develops Biological Computer Using Living Neurons for Natural Intelligence
Cortical Labs, an Australian startup, has created a biological computer, DishBrain, that utilizes living neurons to process information and learn in real time. This system, based on Wetware Computing, integrates biological neural networks with a microelectrode chip. In 2022, it demonstrated the ability to learn to play Pong and recently progressed to navigating the 3D environment of Doom. This technology potentially requires significantly less power than traditional AI systems and raises ethical questions regarding the consciousness of biological cultures.

Cortical Labs has developed a functional biological computer named DishBrain, which uses living neurons to process information instead of traditional AI algorithms. In 2022, the team connected around 800,000 neurons to a simplified Pong game, allowing them to learn to play by minimizing chaotic electric noise.
Recently, using a more advanced system called CL1, the neurons learned basic actions in the game Doom, processing 3D environments. This approach operates on the Principle of Free Energy, focusing on reducing unpredictability rather than rewards. The biocomputer's efficiency raises the prospect of sustainable biological data centers, though it also sparks ethical debates regarding the potential consciousness of the neurons.




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