An Australian start-up, Cortical Labs, has recently introduced a groundbreaking innovation to the world of technology by launching the CL1, the first-ever commercial biological computer. This revolutionary computer is powered by neurons derived from human stem cells, marking a significant advancement in the realm of computer technology.
The core concept behind the CL1 involves the fusion of lab-grown cells with rigid silicon to create what is referred to as Synthetic Biological Intelligence (SBI). Unlike traditional AI systems based on silicon chips, SBI offers the potential for accelerated growth, adaptability, and learning capabilities. Moreover, the energy efficiency of the CL1 is remarkable, with a 30-unit rack consuming only 850–1,000 watts of power, significantly less than what is typically required for training large language models on conventional silicon chips.
The journey leading to the development of the CL1 spans six years of dedicated research at Cortical Labs. A pivotal milestone in this endeavor was the creation of “DishBrain” in 2022, a system comprising 800,000 brain cells that were successfully taught to play Pong. This achievement raised intriguing questions about the possibility of synthetic sentience and prompted discussions on the ethical considerations surrounding the cultivation of cells for biological computing.
Hon Weng Chong, the visionary founder and CEO of Cortical Labs, envisions a future where biological computers are easily accessible to researchers, eliminating the need for specialized hardware and software. The launch of CL1 represents a significant step towards realizing this vision, with Chong emphasizing that the true impact of this innovation will be driven by the collaborative efforts of researchers, academics, and innovators leveraging this technology for further advancements.
Looking ahead, Cortical Labs aims to commence manufacturing units and racks of CL1 for distribution by the end of June. Additionally, the company is introducing Wetware-as-a-Service (WaaS), a platform that enables remote access to biological computers for application development. The unique architecture of CL1 involves lab-cultivated cells integrated onto a silicon chip, facilitating seamless communication through electrical impulses between the organic network and digital interfaces.
At the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Cortical Labs, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Barcelona, will demonstrate the practical applications of CL1 outside laboratory settings. Sandra Acosta, an esteemed assistant professor at the University of Barcelona, highlights the significance of CL1 in enabling controlled growth and monitoring of neurons for long-term experiments, thereby streamlining research processes and minimizing potential risks associated with traditional methodologies.
In conclusion, the launch of the CL1 by Cortical Labs signifies a monumental leap in the evolution of computer technology, ushering in a new era of bio-inspired computing that holds immense promise for the future of artificial intelligence and scientific innovation.
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