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In a bold move towards sustainable artificial intelligence, Swiss company FinalSpark has unveiled its "Neuroplatform" – a computer system powered by human brain organoids. This innovative approach to biocomputing aims to reduce the energy consumption of AI systems by a staggering 100,000 times compared to current technologies.
The Neuroplatform consists of processing units hosting four spherical brain organoids, each measuring 0.5 millimeters wide. These tiny clusters of human neurons are connected to electrodes that provide electrical stimulation and link them to conventional computer networks. The system mimics the brain's natural reward system by selectively exposing neurons to dopamine, training them to form new pathways and connections.
FinalSpark's co-founder, Fred Jordan, believes this technology could pave the way for more efficient AI processing units, potentially replacing traditional CPUs and GPUs. The company offers researchers access to their biocomputers for $500 a month, allowing scientists worldwide to explore the possibilities of this emerging field.
While the concept is intriguing, several challenges must be overcome for biocomputing to compete with silicon-based systems on a large scale:
1. Lifespan: Current organoids survive for an average of 100 days, limiting their long-term viability.
2. Standardization: There's no established manufacturing process for these biocomputers, making scalability difficult.
3. Programming: Researchers are still working on developing an organoid-specific computer language.
4. Ethical considerations: The use of human brain tissue raises important ethical questions that need to be addressed.
Despite these hurdles, biocomputing offers unique advantages. Ángel Goñi-Moreno, a researcher at Spain's National Center for Biotechnology, suggests that cellular computers could excel in tasks like environmental monitoring and bioremediation, where traditional computers fall short.
As research continues, the success of biocomputing will depend on overcoming technical challenges, addressing ethical concerns, and finding applications where living computers outperform their silicon counterparts. Whether brain organoids will become the future of AI computing remains to be seen, but the potential for more sustainable and adaptable technology is undeniably exciting.
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