CL1 Biocomputer Brings Human Neurons to Computing, Available for Pre-Order
Cortical Labs, an Australian biotechnology firm, has introduced a groundbreaking biological computer powered by lab-grown human neurons, as reported by Gizmodo. Named CL1, this device is the first “code deployable biological computer” and is now available for pre-order at around $35,000.
For those who prefer not to own the hardware, Cortical Labs offers a cloud-based alternative, Wetware-as-a-Service (WaaS), which allows users to rent biocomputing power remotely.
At its core, CL1 uses a network of neurons cultivated on an advanced electrode array. These neurons interact with 59 electrodes, forming a stable neural processing unit that can process and respond to data. To keep the neurons functioning, CL1 is enclosed in a sophisticated life support system that mimics human organ functions, including circulatory, respiratory, and waste filtration processes.
The neurons receive input through Cortical Labs’ Biological Intelligence Operating System (biOS), a platform that creates a simulated world where neurons respond to stimuli and influence their environment. This setup allows real-time neural interaction with digital software, forming a closed-loop system that could be a game-changer in AI research. CL1 is also USB-compatible, making it more accessible for integration with existing systems.
Previously, Cortical Labs demonstrated the potential of biological computing by training a neural network to play Pong, highlighting its ability to learn and adapt dynamically. The company believes that biological computers could eventually surpass traditional AI systems, especially in areas related to cognition and intelligence.
According to Brett Kagan, Cortical Labs’ Chief Scientific Officer, the potential applications of CL1 extend far beyond computing. A network of 120 CL1 units could provide valuable insights into how genes and proteins shape learning, advancing neurological research, drug discovery, and disease modeling.
With CL1, biological computing is taking a major step forward, opening new possibilities for artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and next-generation computational models.