Sokipiriye Dokubo
A pioneering Swiss technology firm, FinalSpark, has unveiled a revolutionary service offering scientists the opportunity to rent cloud access to “biocomputers” made of human brain cells for a monthly fee of $500. These biocomputers, referred to as organoids, are clusters of brain cells that operate as living, organic computing systems. FinalSpark envisions these biocomputers as a highly efficient and energy-saving alternative to traditional silicon-based systems commonly used in artificial intelligence (AI) development.
The company asserts that utilizing organic material for computing could be substantially more energy-efficient, potentially up to 100,000 times, compared to conventional silicon technology. This enhanced efficiency could lead to significant cost reductions in training AI models, which have seen escalating costs due to the growing complexity of AI systems.
Founder of FinalSpark, Fred Jordan, highlights that their subsidiary Neurospark is the sole provider offering cloud-based access to computers constructed from human brain cells. These systems are observable in real-time on online platforms, enabling users to oversee their operations.
Training AI Using Brain Cells
AI models commonly employ reinforcement learning, where the AI is rewarded for successfully completing tasks. These rewards typically take the form of numerical values that guide the AI toward achieving its goals. However, when training AI systems utilizing neurons from organoids, a distinct approach is necessary.
Scientists in this scenario apply biological methods that directly impact brain cells. Positive reinforcement involves the administration of dopamine, a molecule linked to reward and pleasure. Negative reinforcement is delivered through electrical signals. This unique training technique harnesses the inherent functions of brain cells to develop AI systems capable of learning in a more organic manner.
The Transient Nature of Organic AI
One intriguing aspect of FinalSpark’s biocomputers is their limited lifespan. Organoids have a maximum lifespan of approximately 100 days. Consequently, any AI system developed using these biocomputers would have a finite operational period—roughly three months—before requiring transfer to another cluster of organoids or facing permanent loss.
Looking ahead, the potential exists to create AI systems with lifespans akin to humans. Such advancements could pave the way for AI experiences closely mirroring human experiences. Furthermore, there is speculation that blockchains, secure and decentralized digital ledgers, could someday be constructed on organic computers comprised of brain cells.
This visionary concept heralds new possibilities at the crossroads of biology and technology, pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in the realm of artificial intelligence.