Researchers at Cortical Labs Are Building Computer Chips Using Human Neuron

By: | April 9th, 2020

Image courtesy: Cortical Labs

Advancements in Artificial Intelligence have transformed the way humans work and live. Despite all these advancements, there is still a large gap between current AI systems and human-like intelligence.

With the goal to create powerful computer systems, researchers are trying to mimic how human brain works in software. Australia-based startup, Cortical Labs, is building ‘miniature disembodied brains’ using biological neurons extracted from mice and humans.

Hon Weng Chong, CEO and co-founder of Cortical Labs, said, “We’re building the first hybrid computer chip which entails implanting biological neurons on silicon chips,”

Company plans to “build technology that harnesses the power of synthetic biology and the full potential of the human brain”.

Researchers foresee these biological “hybrid computer chips” could drastically lower the amount of power required to run AI systems.

For creating these, mouse neurons are extracted from embryos. Human neurons are created by transforming skin cells back into stem cells and then into neurons.

Nidhi Goyal

Nidhi is a gold medalist Post Graduate in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences.

More articles from Industry Tap...