In a groundbreaking development, Australian biotech company Cortical Labs has launched the CL1, the world’s first commercial biological computer. This innovative device integrates human brain cells with silicon hardware to create a novel form of artificial intelligence known as Synthetic Biological Intelligence (SBI).
Why it matters: The CL1 system represents a significant leap forward in computing technology, offering unparalleled energy efficiency and adaptability compared to traditional silicon-based AI chips. It has the potential to revolutionize fields such as drug discovery, disease modeling, and medical research.
Technical Details and Functionality: The CL1 operates by cultivating human neurons on a silicon chip embedded with a 59-electrode array, facilitating intricate communication between biological and digital systems. The device is supported by a sophisticated life support system, ensuring the viability of neurons for up to six months. Additionally, CL1 operates on a proprietary Biological Intelligence Operating System (biOS) and offers a Python API for enhanced programmability and customization.
The CL1 system is significantly more energy-efficient and adaptable compared to traditional AI systems. Each unit or an entire rack of units consumes only around 850-1,000 watts of energy, which is notably efficient given the complex biological processes involved.
Wetware-as-a-Service (WaaS) Model: The “Wetware-as-a-Service” (WaaS) model allows researchers to access and work with the cultivated cells remotely via the cloud. This service provides flexibility, enabling users to either purchase the CL1 units outright or buy time on the chips through the cloud. The initial pricing for each unit is around $35,000, with plans to make the technology more accessible and affordable in the long term.
Applications and Breakthroughs in Research: The CL1 system has the potential to revolutionize several fields, including drug discovery, disease modeling, and medical research. It allows for more accurate and relevant human data, reducing the reliance on animal testing. The system can mimic the nuances of the human brain, which is crucial for testing drugs for neurological and psychiatric diseases, many of which fail in clinical trials due to the complexity of brain functions.
“A simple way to describe it would be like a body in a box, but it has filtration for waves, it has where the media is stored, it has pumps to keep everything circulating, gas mixing, and of course temperature control,” Cortical Labs chief science officer Brett Kagan told New Atlas late last year.
The CL1 system offers several advantages over existing technologies used in drug testing, disease modeling, and neuroscience research. It provides more relevant human data and reduces the need for animal testing, which is ethically superior and more accurate. Unlike traditional silicon-based AI, the CL1’s biological neurons can learn and adapt in a more organic and natural way, potentially leading to breakthroughs in areas where traditional AI struggles, such as pattern recognition and decision-making in unpredictable environments.
Ethical Considerations and Regulatory Frameworks: The use of human brain cells in computing raises significant ethical concerns, particularly regarding consciousness and sentience. However, the neurons used in the CL1 are lab-grown and lack consciousness. Cortical Labs has emphasized the importance of regulatory compliance and bioethics oversight, with numerous regulatory approvals required based on location and specific use cases.
Funding and Investment: Cortical Labs has secured $11 million in funding to date from investors such as Horizons Ventures, Blackbird Ventures, LifeX Ventures, Radar Ventures, and the CIA’s In-Q-Tel. The commercialization of the CL1 system is expected to improve the company’s ability to secure further funding, as it moves from a research-focused entity to a commercially viable one.
Minimal Viable Brain (MVB) Development: The concept of the Minimal Viable Brain (MVB) involves constructing a controlled neural system capable of complex information processing with the least amount of superfluous cell differentiation. This research aims to identify the key biological components necessary for dynamic and responsive information processing. The development of an MVB would be a powerful tool for research, allowing for more controlled and nuanced analyses than what is currently possible.
In summary, the CL1 system represents a revolutionary step in AI technology, combining the adaptability of human brain cells with the efficiency of silicon hardware. As this technology becomes more accessible, it is poised to transform various fields of research and application, while also raising important ethical and regulatory considerations.
