Meet the CL1, the world’s first biological computer powered by human brain cells, designed by Australian company Cortical Labs. This groundbreaking technology combines living neurons with silicon hardware to create a machine that processes information biologically, unlike traditional AI models.
The secret lies in Synthetic Biological Intelligence (SBI), a hybrid technology that mimics human cognition and machine efficiency. Lab-grown neurons sit on an electrode array, responding to electrical signals by strengthening or weakening connections, just like learning happens in the human brain. This adaptability could revolutionize fields such as drug discovery, where researchers can test how neurons react to different compounds in real time.
The CL1 offers significant energy efficiency, using less power than a high-end gaming PC. This shift towards biological AI development could make AI development more sustainable and affordable. Cortical Labs is making the technology available through a cloud-based platform, allowing researchers to access SBI remotely.
While this technology raises ethical questions about consciousness and awareness, Cortical Labs has put safeguards in place to ensure controlled development. The CL1’s impact extends beyond neuroscience and medicine, with potential applications in robotics and autonomous systems. As the technology advances, it could redefine the boundaries of intelligence and create a more organic form of AI.
The future of AI is now taking a more biological approach, and Cortical Labs is at the forefront of this revolution.
Source: https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/03/05/worlds-first-biological-computer-runs-ai-models-on-actual-human-brain-cells