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A start-up on the shores of Lake Geneva is building computer networks using human brain cells, which could transform Artificial Intelligence systems.
It's the latest foray into the field of 'bio-computing', also known as wetware.
RAZOR's Amelia Hemphill visits the FinalSpark lab in Switzerland to find out more about how the brain organoids are grown and trained.
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In a case of science-fiction becoming science-fact, FinalSpark is growing living brain organoids. Each organoid is made up of about 10,000 neurons, or brain nerve cells grown from stem cells. These small spheres, approximately 0.5mm in diameter, are kept alive in incubators at near body temperature. They are then connected to tiny electrodes allowing for communication and training.
While the technology is still in its infancy, there are many potential benefits over traditional processors – the biggest being incredible efficiency. With ever-larger cloud computing and AI data centers being built, the technology could save a huge amount of energy once it becomes viable.