Melbourne-based startup Cortical Labs has introduced the world’s first commercial biological computer, the CL1, at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
This groundbreaking device operates on living human brain cells, potentially revolutionizing AI and robotics.
A revolutionary “Body in a Box”
The CL1 functions using lab-grown neurons that connect across a silicon chip, enabling them to send and receive electrical signals.
These neurons are integrated into Cortical Labs’s Biological Intelligence Operating System (biOS), allowing users to deploy code and execute computing tasks.
To keep the neurons alive for up to six months, the system includes an internal life support setup consisting of pumps, gas control, and temperature regulation.
Brett Kagan, chief scientific officer of Cortical Labs, described it as “a body in a box.”
Advantages over traditional AI
The biological computing system offers significant advantages over conventional silicon-based computers. It is more energy-efficient and has a greater ability to learn and adapt.
An earlier prototype, featuring 800,000 human and mouse neurons, was able to teach itself to play the video game Pong. A study published in Cell reported that the neurons exhibited sentience when placed in a simulated game environment.
Addressing ethical concerns
Despite its advancements, the project has raised ethical concerns regarding consciousness and sentience. While Cortical Labs claims to have implemented safeguards, few details have been disclosed. The Independent has reached out to the company for further clarification.
On its website, Cortical Labs states:
“The neuron is self-programming, infinitely flexible, and the result of four billion years of evolution. Our technology merges biology with traditional computing to create the ultimate learning machine… Unlike traditional AI, our neural systems require minimal energy and training data to master complex tasks.”
Availability and future prospects
Cortical Labs plans to begin shipping the CL1 in June, with each unit priced at approximately $35,000 (£27,000).
Dr. Hon Weng Chong, the founder and CEO of Cortical Labs, emphasized the company’s vision:
“Today is the culmination of a vision that has powered Cortical Labs for almost six years. Our long-term mission has been to democratize this technology, making it accessible to researchers without specialized hardware and software. The CL1 is the realization of that mission.”
He added that while this launch is a major milestone, the real impact will come from researchers and innovators building on this foundation.
