- Cortical Labs provides access to the IT cloud powered by neurons for only $ 300 per week
- CL1 merges cells from the human brain and silicon and can execute a real code
- The system allows neuronal treatment in real time for research in AI and neuroscience
Cortical Labs, an Australian startup that we have previously covered, launched what he describes as the first biological computer in the world available in the world capable of executing code.
The CL1 system combines human neurons cultivated in the laboratory with silicon equipment and is designed for the search for neuroscience, biotechnology and artificial intelligence.
Customers can buy a CL1 unit for $ 35,000 or remote access via a weekly rental at a price of $ 300, the platform already available via Wetware-As-A-Service of Cortical Labs.
A new way of studying brain function
Each CL1 contains approximately 800,000 neurons cultivated from reprogrammed adult cells. These neurons are kept alive by an integrated survival system which provides nutrients and controls the environment.
The neurons communicate and adapt to the help of electrical signals of less milliseconds, which, according to the company, allows the CL1 to process entries and generate almost instantly outputs, offering a new way of studying brain function.
“The CL1 does it in real time using a simple abstract code through several layers in firmware and equipment interaction,” said Brett Kagan, scientific director of Cortical Labs Spectrum ieee. “The loops of fewer milliseconds read information, act and write new information in cell culture.”
The CL1 is based on Dishbrain, proof of concept where neurons have taught playing Pong in a simulated environment.
The new model increases the entry channels, improves signal latency and includes hardware improvements that make it more suitable for research and potential commercial applications. It has already been used to restore the learning function in neural crops modeling epilepsy.
The device consumes less energy than conventional AI equipment and supports use cases, including the development of drugs, AI tests and disease modeling. It obliges buyers to obtain ethical approval of the new cell lines and to operate in a laboratory environment.
Karl Friston, a theoretical neuroscientist, called the CL1 “remarkable realization” and noted that he provides researchers with a practical platform to test theories on learning, behavior and brain function using real neurons.
