Brain-Controlled Robot: A Leap in AI?
Scientists in China are pushing the boundaries of AI by creating a robot controlled by actual human brain cells. This is a major leap forward, potentially allowing robots to learn and adapt like humans instead of relying on pre-programmed instructions. While it sounds like science fiction, this “brain-on-a-chip” technology could be the first step towards a future with robots that possess human-like intelligence.
New Atlas reports on a revolutionary robot controlled by a chip containing developing human brain cells. These cells connect to the chip with an electrode, allowing the robot to process information and perform actions. This “brain-on-a-chip” system lets the robot learn from its environment, unlike traditional robots that follow pre-programmed instructions. The robot doesn’t have regular vision but uses electrical signals and sensors to navigate, track objects, and even grasp things.
Scientists believe this isn’t just a cool tech-biology mashup; it’s a major step forward in AI. Regular AI uses complex programs to learn, but it’s slow and requires a lot of energy. This ‘biocomputer,’ however, uses real brain cells to learn quickly and efficiently, showing the power of biology for smarter machines.
An Australian project called DishBrain showed similar promise. Researchers grew brain cells on a chip and trained them to play a simple game in just minutes, much faster than traditional AI. This success led to funding and the creation of Cortical Labs.
According to Cortical Labs, their human brain cell robot is still under development, but it shares key advantages with DishBrain. These biocomputers learn faster and use less energy than AI chips. They might also be more creative and adaptable thanks to the human brain cells.
This research on robots with human brain cells could also be a game-changer for medicine, especially for brain injuries. Scientists hope to use this knowledge to develop brain organoid transplants. These are essentially tiny, lab-grown brains that could replace damaged parts of the human brain, like fixing broken circuits. This could potentially help patients recover from neurological conditions.
This exciting new tech isn’t without its challenges. As these robots with human brain cells get more sophisticated, the line between living brains and artificial intelligence gets fuzzier. Scientists need to carefully consider the ethics of developing and using this technology.
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There are also practical hurdles. Brain cells are like delicate living things! These ‘wetware’ machines, as some call them, need special care to keep them functioning. They need the right temperature, nutrients, and protection from germs, just like any other living organism.
