Cortical Labs' CL1: The Biological Computer That Plays Doom

Cortical Labs, an Australian biotech startup, has developed the CL1, touted as the "world's first code deployable biological computer." This innovative machine utilizes human brain cells to perform computational tasks, recently demonstrating its capability by playing the classic 1993 video game Doom. This achievement follows the company's earlier success in teaching neurons to play Pong in 2022, showcasing a significant leap in complexity and functionality.

Futurism

The CL1 operates using over 200,000 living neurons, which communicate through electrical signals similar to those in a human brain. According to Hong Weng Chong, CEO of Cortical Labs, the biological nature of these computers presents unique operational challenges. The neurons require a carefully controlled environment, including a specific mixture of gases, with oxygen levels reduced to five percent to optimize performance. Each day, the biological medium must be replenished to maintain the neurons' health and functionality.

Futurism

The CL1 is commercially available for approximately $35,000, targeting niche markets interested in biological computing. Cortical Labs is also expanding its operations, planning to build new data center facilities in Melbourne and Singapore, with the latter set to accommodate up to 1,000 CL1 units. Additionally, the company has launched a cloud computing service that allows customers to access the capabilities of 120 CL1 units via API.

Futurism

While the CL1's ability to play Doom is a notable feat, it raises questions about the practical applications of biological computing. Critics argue that the current setup is highly experimental and requires significant preparation time, with each machine needing a week to be ready for use. The energy efficiency of the CL1, which reportedly consumes less power than a handheld calculator, is a potential advantage, but the overall viability of biological computers in mainstream applications remains uncertain.

Futurism

Cortical Labs emphasizes the innovative nature of its technology, with Dr. Alon Loeffler highlighting the challenge of translating digital games into a biological format. Dr. Brett Kagan noted that "Doom is chaos, it's 3D, it has enemies, it has an explorable environment, and it's hard," underscoring the complexity involved in training the CL1.

Human brain cells in a petri dish are now able to play ‘Doom’

While the achievement of playing Doom is celebrated, there is skepticism regarding the broader implications of such technology. Some experts question the scalability and practicality of biological computers compared to traditional computing methods. The long-term sustainability of using living neurons for computational tasks remains a topic of debate.

Futurism

• “We remove the fluid every 24 hours,” — Hong Weng Chong, CEO of Cortical Labs

Futurism

• “Doom was much more complex [than Pong],” — Dr. Brett Kagan, Cortical Labs

Human brain cells in a petri dish are now able to play ‘Doom’

• “needed to translate the digital world of Doom into the biological language of neurons, which is electricity.” — Dr. Alon Loeffler, Cortical Labs

Human brain cells in a petri dish are now able to play ‘Doom’

As Cortical Labs continues to explore the potential of biological computing, the implications of their work could reshape our understanding of technology and its relationship with biological systems.

Futurism