In a remarkable advancement in biotechnology, scientists have successfully integrated 200,000 living human brain cells onto a microchip, which has been trained to navigate a video game. This novel technology, developed by the Australian biotech group Cortical Labs, is set to power artificial intelligence (AI) data centres.
Recently, Cortical Labs gained significant attention for their bio-chip known as CL1, which demonstrated its capabilities by playing the classic video game ‘Doom.’ This innovative cluster of neurons was able to interact with the game environment, controlling the character’s movement in multiple directions, as well as aiming and shooting at various in-game adversaries.
Cortical Labs has indicated that the CL1 units, which utilise brain cells, will be deployed in two new AI data centres. This development marks a significant stride in the intersection of biology and technology.
According to a representative from the company, the bio-chip exhibited ‘real-time adaptation and learning’ by aligning the signals of the game with electrical inputs from the neurons, facilitated by an advanced software program. The company states on its website, ‘Real neurons are grown directly on our custom chips, creating an intelligence that learns intuitively, with remarkable efficiency.’ They claim that this approach, unlike traditional AI systems, requires considerably less energy and training data to master complex tasks.
‘This isn’t just a new computer. It’s computing, reimagined,’ they assert, highlighting the transformative potential of their technology.
The process of developing these neurons involves a complex biological procedure. Blood cells are harvested from adult volunteers and subsequently converted into stem cells. These stem cells are then transformed into neuron cells, which are cultivated directly on the microchip by Cortical Labs.
With aspirations that extend beyond gaming, the company is also constructing entire data centres that leverage this neuron technology, reminiscent of themes found in dystopian cinema. Currently, Cortical Labs has completed one bio-data centre in Melbourne, Australia, incorporating 120 of their CL1 units, as reported by Bloomberg News.
A second facility is planned for Singapore, although details regarding the operational timeline for these data centres remain unclear. The energy efficiency of the neuron chips is particularly noteworthy, as they could potentially revolutionise the operational landscape of standard AI data centres. Reports indicate that a single CL1 unit consumes less electrical power than a typical handheld calculator.
This innovative use of living brain neurons signifies a bold step forward in the quest for more sustainable and efficient computing technologies, raising intriguing possibilities for the future of AI and data processing.