Scientists are exploring a fascinating project that involves developing computers using materials that mimic the functions of the human brain.
As reported by the Independent, scientists are embarking on an ambitious venture that might seem like science fiction at first but is actually within reach. They envision creating biocomputers constructed from 3D assemblies of brain cells. These biocomputers would serve as organic hardware, paving the way for the emergence of new computer technologies.
Researchers have already managed to train a brain-based computer to play the classic video game Pong. Although the current capabilities are rudimentary, this initial achievement indicates their intention to enhance the technology and potentially rival artificial intelligence. The goal is to eventually integrate these brain-based computers across various industries in multiple iterations.
Thomas Hartung from Johns Hopkins University described this emerging field as ‘organoid intelligence’ (OI), bringing together a community of leading scientists dedicated to advancing this technology for the era of swift, robust, and efficient biocomputing.
While the future holds promise, there are significant challenges for scientists to overcome to make biocomputers practical for everyday use. Researchers propose a new avenue of exploration involving brain organoids to power computers. These organoids, cultivated in laboratories, exhibit some brain-like functions such as learning and memory. However, the current brain organoids consist of approximately 50,000 cells, whereas organic intelligence requires around 10 million cells. This highlights the existing technology gap compared to the complex abilities of the human brain.
Hartung underscored the remarkable information storage capacity of brains, estimated at 2,500 terabytes. The limitations of silicon-based computers are apparent as they struggle to accommodate more transistors on a minuscule chip. In contrast, the brain’s intricate network includes roughly 100 billion neurons interconnected via over 10^15 synapses, presenting a vast power differential when juxtaposed with our current technological capabilities.
While artificial intelligence has made significant advancements recently, with innovations like efficient chatbots such as ChatGPT streamlining simple tasks, the development of biocomputers poses a more formidable challenge. For instance, humanoid robots and autonomous vehicles exhibit some human-like attributes and senses, but these accomplishments pale in comparison to the potential of biocomputers.
Essentially, we are at a juncture where generative artificial intelligence is gradually integrating into our daily lives. Nonetheless, the current technologies, although impressive, still fall short of matching the astounding capabilities of the human brain.
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