World's First Biocomputer made out of 16 Human Mini-Brains

Swiss innovators have recently unveiled a ‘living’ computer or biocomputer that utilizes 16 human mini-brains, also known as organoids to perform computational tasks. This innovative system was developed by the Swiss Biocomputing startup FinalSpark and is designed to reduce energy consumption as compared to traditional silicon-based computers.

The biocomputer, also dubbed as the Neuroplatform is an online platform that provides remote access to these living brain cells, allowing researchers to conduct studies on artificial intelligence and other applications.

Advantages of Biocomputer

The bioprocessors used in the Neuroplatform consume a million times less power than traditional digital processors. This capability is available due to the natural efficiency of living neurons, which process information with much less energy than digital computers.

The Neuroplatform integrates hardware, software, and biology through the use of Multi-Electrode Arrays (MEAs), which house the living brain tissue. This particular approach, known as wetware computing, allows for the direct interaction between biological and digital components.

The system is designed to be scalable, with the potential to create larger interconnected systems that could be more powerful than any animal brain. These bioprocessors are suitable for experiments that run for several months, with an expected lifespan of around 100 days, which allows for extended research periods and the collection of significant amounts of data.

Applications

• The biocomputer could be used to advance AI research by leveraging the natural learning and processing capabilities of biological neurons.
• The reduced energy consumption of the bioprocessors could significantly decrease the environmental impact associated with the growing use of computers.
• The Neuroplatform can become the world's first living processor, to create a more sustainable and efficient computing system.

Conclusion

The Swiss biocomputer with 16 human mini-brains represents a significant innovation in the field of computing, offering a more sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional silicon-based systems. 

The Neuroplatform is currently available for institutional users for $500 per user per calendar month. While there are challenges and limitations to this technology, the potential benefits and applications make it an exciting development in the pursuit of advanced computing and artificial intelligence.