Computer Chip with Built-In Human Brain Tissue Receives Military Funding
Scientists at Monash University in Australia have made a groundbreaking discovery by creating a computer chip embedded with human and mouse brain cells. Dubbed DishBrain, this semi-biological chip demonstrated a remarkable level of intelligence when it learned to play the classic game Pong within just five minutes.
The micro-electrode array, a crucial element of DishBrain, not only read the brain cells’ activity but also stimulated them using electrical signals. To test the chip’s capabilities, the researchers designed a version of Pong where the brain cells received an electrical stimulus representing the ball’s position and distance from the paddle. The brain cells were then allowed to move the paddle left and right accordingly.
To incentivize the brain cells, the scientists implemented a basic reward system based on the cells’ inclination to minimize unpredictability in their environment. If the paddle successfully hit the ball, the cells received a predictable stimulus. Conversely, if the paddle missed, the cells experienced four seconds of entirely unpredictable stimulation.
These experiments marked the first time that lab-grown brain cells were given the ability to sense and act upon the world simultaneously. The results were so promising that the research, conducted in collaboration with Cortical Labs, a Melbourne startup, received a grant of $407,000 from Australia’s National Intelligence and Security Discovery Research Grants program.
Associate Professor Adeel Razi, the project lead, believes that the fusion of biological computing and artificial intelligence in these programmable chips could surpass the performance of current silicon-based hardware. This breakthrough research has extensive implications across various fields such as planning, robotics, advanced automation, brain-machine interfaces, and drug discovery, potentially giving Australia a significant strategic advantage.
Razi also emphasized that DishBrain’s advanced learning capabilities could revolutionize machine learning in the future. This technology, when integrated into autonomous vehicles, drones, and robots, could provide them with a new form of machine intelligence that continues learning throughout their lifetimes.
The key advantages of this technology include machines with the ability to learn new skills without compromising existing ones, adapt to changes effectively, and apply past knowledge to new situations. These machines would continually optimize their utilization of computing power, memory, and energy.
With the newly received grant, Razi’s team intends to develop artificial intelligence machines that replicate the learning capacity of biological neural networks. The goal is to scale up the hardware and methods so that they become a viable alternative to traditional silicon computing.
This exciting development holds tremendous potential for the future of AI and could significantly influence technological advancements in various industries. By harnessing the power of human and mouse brain cells within a computer chip, DishBrain could pave the way for intelligent machines capable of continuous learning and adaptation.
It is important to note that while this research is promising, there are ethical considerations surrounding the use of brain tissue in computing. It is crucial to approach these developments with careful consideration and open discussions on the ethical implications they present.
In conclusion, the Monash University team’s groundbreaking creation of DishBrain, a computer chip embedded with brain tissue, has attracted military funding due to its immense potential. This unique collaboration of biological and artificial intelligence could shape the future of machine learning, robotics, and automation. While this technology holds great promise, it is also essential to address the ethical concerns associated with these advancements.
