Sci-fi novels have long imagined biological computers, but Hollywood somehow never picked up the idea. Maybe a computer with living cells sounded too weird, even for them. But guess what? We’ve officially skipped the movie adaptation and jumped straight to reality. Enter the Cortical Labs CL1, the world’s first biological computer, and yes, it’s alive.
This mad scientist’s dream machine combines living human neurons with silicon hardware, creating something called Synthetic Biological Intelligence (SBI). It’s basically a tiny, thinking petri dish hooked up to a digital playground. These lab-grown neurons sit on a silicon chip with electrodes that let them interact with a simulated world—all managed by a system called biOS (no, not the one in your PC).
The CL1 isn’t just some science project. It’s programmable. You can throw code at it and watch as the neurons process, adapt, and even learn in real time. This means researchers can study brain-like learning without needing an actual brain in a jar.
Now, let’s talk about power consumption—or rather, the lack of it. Unlike AI systems that require server farms guzzling electricity, the CL1 sips power like a polite houseguest. It even comes with its own life support system, keeping the neurons alive for up to six months. Tell me that does not sound creepy at all.
As for applications, medical research, robotics, and drug discovery are all on the table. It could even replace some animal testing, making it a win for both science and ethics.
If all this sounds like something you’d like to tinker with, you can order one in late 2025—assuming you have a spare US$35,000 lying around. Or, if you’re feeling thrifty, Cortical Labs will offer remote access via “Wetware-as-a-Service.”
Your move, Hollywood.
Images: Cortical Labs.
via PC Gamer.
