Australian startup Cortical Labs has unveiled the world's first commercial biocomputer, named "CL1." This innovative system connects cultured human brain cells to a silicon chip, enabling advanced computations with artificial intelligence and neural networks. Cortical Labs has been focused on developing a "Minimal Viable Brain," and in 2022, they created "DishBrain," a system that used human neurons to play the video game Pong.
CL1 is the first biological neural system to operate without relying on an external computer. It uses neurons cultured from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) derived from blood samples and places them on a silicon chip. The system is priced at $35,000 per unit, and a cloud-based "Wetware-as-a-Service" (WaaS) platform for remote access is also in development.
CL1 is highly energy-efficient and capable of making complex decisions with minimal data. Dr. Brett Kagan, the Chief Scientific Officer of Cortical Labs, refers to CL1 as a new form of life and describes it as a mechanical-engineering approach to intelligence. CEO Hon Weng Chong believes that CL1 will have a profound impact on researchers and innovators in various fields.
Viewer Comments:
I’m curious if human brain cells won’t degrade over time.
$35,000 seems expensive, but considering it’s the result of cutting-edge technology, it kind of feels like a bargain.
AI that incorporates human brain cells might completely surpass humans.
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