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Brain Cells Power New Computer Data Centers
10 Mar
Summary
- Human brain cells are powering experimental biological data centers.
- These new 'CL1 units' use minimal energy compared to traditional chips.
- Cortical Labs is building facilities in Melbourne and Singapore.
Biotech startup Cortical Labs is pioneering a new frontier in computing with its CL1 units, which are biological data centers powered by human brain cells. These experimental facilities, one established in Melbourne and another under construction in Singapore, utilize lab-grown neurons integrated onto silicon chips. This innovative approach aims to address the escalating demand for computing capacity driven by artificial intelligence.
The CL1 units are powered by neurons derived from human blood stem cells, which are then placed on a chip that facilitates electrical signal exchange and response recording. This biological computing system offers a remarkable advantage in energy efficiency, consuming a fraction of the power used by traditional AI processors. Each CL1 unit reportedly uses less power than a handheld calculator, a crucial benefit as AI data centers drive global energy consumption.
Cortical Labs has demonstrated the capabilities of its brain cell technology by successfully training them to play video games, including the classic Pong and the more complex Doom. The Melbourne facility will house 120 CL1 units, while the Singapore location, developed with partner DayOne Data Centers, is projected to deploy up to 1,000 units in phases, starting with an initial deployment at the National University of Singapore.
