Scientist create a robot which is controlled by real human brain cells, and it is more intelligent than AI

Scientist create a robot which is controlled by real human brain cells, and it is more intelligent than AI

AI cannot match the intelligence level of humans, so scientists have now given the human brain to AI. Although not a proper human brain, researchers at Tianjin University in China have developed a humanoid robot that operates using human brain cells. Although at first the concept might feel like something straight out of a sci-fi film, according to the researchers, this humanoid with human brain cells could pave the way for hybrid human-robot intelligence.

According to New Atlas, this new breakthrough robot has been described as a "brain on a chip," which uses stem cells that were originally meant to develop into human brain cells. These cells were integrated with a computer chip through an electrode, enabling the robot to process information and perform various tasks. This setup allowed the robot to encode and decode information, completing actions ranging from navigating around obstacles to grasping objects.

This humanoid robot reportedly is part of what the researchers call "the world's first open-source brain-on-chip intelligent complex information interaction system." Unlike typical robots, which rely on pre-programmed instructions, this new human brain robot uses its brain implant to learn and adapt to its environment. While it lacks traditional visual capabilities, it responds to electrical signals and sensory inputs, guiding its movements and actions. The human brain cells help the robot avoid obstacles, track targets, and manage its arm movements to grasp objects, functioning solely through electrical signals and sensory inputs.

According to researchers, this new development is more than just a novel integration of biology and technology; it represents a leap in computational intelligence. Traditional AI systems rely on algorithms and data processing capabilities, which, despite their advanced nature, still fall short of the learning speed and intuitive abilities of human brain cells. The biocomputer, however, has the ability to learn rapidly, using minimal power, which is a testament to the efficiency and adaptability of biological systems.

The publication shares that, in a similar project known as DishBrain at Monash University, Australia, researchers observed that human neurons could learn tasks much faster than AI. "Researchers grew about 800,000 brain cells onto a chip, put it into a simulated environment, and watched this horrific cyborg abomination learn to play Pong within about five minutes. The project was quickly funded by the Australian military and spun out into a company called Cortical Labs."

In a statement to New Atlas, Cortical Labs' Chief Scientific Officer Brett Kagan revealed that though the humanoid with human brain cells is in its early stage, the human neuron-enhanced biocomputers are seen learning faster and using much less power compared to artificial intelligence machine learning chips. They also offer "more intuition, insight, and creativity."

Researchers believe that advancements in humanoids with human brain cells could lead to significant progress in medical science, particularly in the treatment of neurological conditions. One promising application is the repair of damage to the human cerebral cortex. By replacing lost neurons and reconstructing neural circuits, doctors might be able to perform brain organoid transplants to restore brain function in patients with neurological damage.

However, despite the promising outlook, this technology raises important ethical questions. As the integration of human brain cells into robots becomes more advanced, the line between biological intelligence and artificial intelligence continues to blur. Ensuring the ethical development and use of such technologies will be a crucial consideration for the scientific community. Additionally, according to Brett Kagan, another downside of these machines is wetware-machines lined with brain cells-that need maintenance, such as keeping them fed, watered, temperature-controlled, and protected from germs and viruses.