Human brain organoids, integrated into computer chips, can now drive robots via a novel biocomputing interface. This development is facilitated by an open-source intelligent interaction system named MetaBOC, which aims to integrate human brain cells into artificial systems.
Biocomputing represents a unique frontier in emerging technology, leveraging the fact that neurons and computers communicate through electrical signals. Human brain cells, cultivated on silicon chips, can receive and interpret electrical signals from computers and respond accordingly.
A significant aspect of this research is the ability of brain cells to learn. Initial evidence of this concept was demonstrated in the DishBrain project at Monash University, Australia. Researchers grew approximately 800,000 brain cells on a chip, placed them in a simulated environment, and observed them learning to play the game Pong within five minutes. This project received funding from the Australian military and led to the creation of the company Cortical Labs.
According to Brett Kagan, Chief Scientific Officer at Cortical Labs, early-stage human neuron-enhanced biocomputers show faster learning capabilities and lower power consumption compared to contemporary AI machine learning chips. These biocomputers also exhibit qualities such as intuition, insight, and creativity. Human brains, consuming just 20 watts, are considered the most efficient and powerful natural computers.
However, maintaining these “wetware” components presents challenges. They require sustenance, temperature control, and protection from contaminants. Cortical Labs reported a maximum maintenance period of about 12 months in 2023.
Similar projects are underway at institutions like Indiana University, where researchers allow brain cells to self-organize into three-dimensional “Brainoware” organoids. Swiss startup FinalSpark employs dopamine as a reward mechanism for its Neuroplatform biocomputing chips.
The MetaBOC project involves researchers from Tianjin University’s Haihe Laboratory of Brain-Computer Interaction and Human-Computer Integration, alongside teams from the Southern University of Science and Technology. MetaBOC is designed as an open-source software interface between brain-on-a-chip biocomputers and electronic devices, enabling brain organoids to perceive and interact with the world through electronic signals.
The Tianjin team uses ball-shaped organoids for their complex neural connections, similar to Indiana’s Brainoware approach. These organoids are grown under low-intensity focused ultrasound stimulation, which the researchers believe enhances their intelligent capabilities. MetaBOC combines biological intelligence with AI algorithms within the software.
The team highlights robotics as a primary integration target, suggesting that brain-on-a-chip biocomputers can learn to control robots, navigating obstacles and performing tasks such as object manipulation. The brain organoids train in simulated environments, minimizing physical risks during the learning process.
The images provided by the researchers are conceptual and do not represent actual prototypes. Nonetheless, the potential for human brain cells to control robots is a significant scientific advancement.
This era of scientific and technological progress, marked by projects like Neuralink and MetaBOC, raises philosophical and ethical questions. Researchers and society must consider the implications of developing consciousness in both biological and silicon-based systems.
In conclusion, humanity’s exploration into integrating brain cells with technology represents a profound step toward understanding and expanding the capabilities of both biological and artificial intelligence.
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