The future of computing is taking a bold new turn with the introduction of CL1, a pioneering biological computer that blends living human neurons with silicon hardware. Developed by Australian biotech firm Cortical Labs, this groundbreaking device is housed in an advanced life-support system designed to sustain cultured brain cells while they interact with traditional computing components.
Cortical Labs recently made headlines by unveiling what it describes as the “world’s first code-deployable biological computer.” The core of the CL1’s innovation lies in its use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) to create networks of neurons that communicate through electrical signals, mimicking the way a human brain processes information. These interactions are recorded and analyzed by AI software, significantly enhancing learning speed compared to traditional machine-learning models.
According to Cortical Labs, incorporating biological intelligence could revolutionize problem-solving in unpredictable environments, a challenge that conventional AI systems often struggle with. The company has been exploring this concept for years. Back in 2022, it collaborated with Monash University to develop a neuron-based system capable of learning and playing Pong in just five minutes—an impressive feat that demonstrated the potential of biological computing. However, the limitations of a lab-bound system soon became apparent, leading to the development of a portable commercial version.
To ensure the viability of its neuron-based computing system, the CL1 is housed in a specialized container that maintains optimal temperature and gas exchange levels. In essence, it functions as an advanced computer case that supports living neural networks. This advancement has enabled Cortical Labs to move toward a commercial release, with the CL1 expected to launch later this year for $35,000.
“This platform will enable the millions of researchers, innovators, and big-thinkers around the world to turn the CL1’s potential into tangible, real-world impact,” said Cortical Labs founder and CEO Dr. Hon Weng Chong. “We’ll provide the platform and support for them to invest in R&D and drive breakthroughs and research.”
The company envisions its “synthetic biological intelligence” as a game-changer for scientific research. It could redefine the study of consciousness and reduce reliance on animal testing, replacing outdated mathematical models in disease and drug research.
Despite its promising capabilities, the CL1 raises profound ethical concerns. While Cortical Labs has assured that its lab-grown neurons lack consciousness, the company acknowledges the need for ethical guidelines to address the moral and regulatory implications of integrating living cells with computing hardware.
With Cortical Labs also working on a cloud-based version of its biological computing system—one that would be more affordable and accessible—the future of AI may be far more organic than we ever imagined. However, as technology blurs the line between biology and machine, a critical question remains: How far should we go in merging human cells with artificial intelligence?
