“DishBrain: Closing the Gap Between Human Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence”

Anubhavkakati
MLSAKIIT
Published in
6 min readSep 25, 2023

Introduction To DishBrain

DishBrain is a groundbreaking new technology that blends artificial intelligence (AI) and living brain cells. It is the brainchild of Melbourne, Australia-based startup Cortical Labs. While it’s still in its early stages of development, I believe it really holds enormous potential to actually change how we think about AI — in general, how we look at technology itself. One of the coolest things about DishBrain is that it is not just another AI system but rather an AI system based on biology. It is not made of silicon chips and algorithms; it’s fueled by real brain cells! As a result, DishBrain has plenty of advantages and benefits over traditional AI systems.

“DishBrain” computer chips fusing human brain cells with electronic circuits and AI intelligence could underpin the next generation of learning robots

Exploring the Impact of Dishbrain: A Research Study

Visualize a world where technology has become as smart and as nimble as the human mind. A time is not too far away when AI will be able to evolve on its own, learn from its failures, and adjust quickly to changing circumstances. The goal of Dishbrain’s objective is to create an entirely new form of AI that isn’t as reliant on traditional silicon-processing hardware as it is on the neurobiology of our own brain. DishBrain has several benefits over traditional AI systems as it carries computation in living brain cells.

Technological Aspects of Dishbrain

The two main components: one is a microwire array (which is effectively an electrophysiology recording chip) with culture media in which live neurons are grown and connected to the chip’s input/output wires. The microelectrode array sits on top of a small Petri dish containing brain cells growing. Both electrical impulses from the brain cells are recorded and sent back with the help of this same microelectrode array. The neurons in the ‘brain’ of DishBrain get feedback when performing tasks. For example, when the nerve cells learn to play Pong or any game where you score points by hitting something, every time they touch the ball with the paddle, they will receive a reward signal. Gradually, your nerve cells in the brain will develop a better aim for hitting the ball and more control.

A scanning electron microscope image of DishBrain neurons growing on an array of electrodes

Real-Life Use Of DishBrain

A significant development in the field of artificial intelligence is represented by DishBrain. It is the first time a working AI system has been made using living brain cells. DishBrain has the potential to revolutionize a variety of sectors and applications including robotics, transportation, and medicine. DishBrain has the ability to completely transform a variety of industries and software solutions, including:

Medicine: DishBrain can be used to design novel therapies for neurological disorders including epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. With something like DishBrain perhaps we can develop new brain-computer interfaces, allowing people who are paralyzed, to talk to and control machines with their brains.

Robotics: DishBrain has the potential to be used to build more intelligent, versatile robots. DishBrain, for instance, might be utilized to create robots that can autonomously learn to maneuver through unfamiliar situations and carry out challenging jobs without human intervention.

Hon Weng Chong (Right) Founder of Cortical Labs performing experiments with DishBrain

Transportation: DishBrain could be utilized to create autonomous vehicles, including self-driving cars. DishBrain may also be utilized for designing new traffic management programs that can react instantly to changing scenarios in real time.

Artificial general intelligence (AGI): The development of AGI may begin with DishBrain. A forthcoming type of AI known as AGI would be on par with or surpass human intelligence. DishBrain may aid in our understanding of how the human brain functions and our ability to develop AI systems that are more intelligent and effective.

Education: DishBrain could be utilized to create new, more individualized, and engaging educational resources and tools for students. DishBrain, for instance, may be used to create AI-powered educators who can provide students with individualized training with one-to-one instruction and feedback.

Entertainment: DishBrain could be utilized to create new kinds of video games and other interactive entertainment. DishBrain, for instance, might be used to create games that can adjust to the interests and ability capacity of the user.

Human Cells teach themselves how to play ping-pong

Anticipated For The Future?

DishBrain is an emerging technology, one we believe will continue to evolve rapidly. DishBrain can have a significant impact in many areas/applications, even if its use cases are hard to predict fully. Perhaps one of the most fascinating applications of DishBrain could be developing new kinds of AI that can learn and evolve autonomously.

The artificial intelligence system can adapt itself to different environments and problems if there are no human interventions. That might lead to new inventions — innovative products and services that are not even conceivable today. It could even create new brain-computer interfaces so people can control computers or even machinery directly from their minds using DishBrain. This could have quite an effect on how we live and work. With potential risks, there is no doubt that DishBrain does. For instance, there are those who worry that DishBrain can be hacked and used or misused for making the most sophisticated weapons that can pose a danger to humanity. Those risks need to be thought out with caution and actions are needed to protect us from them.

All in all, DishBrain is a great innovation that can revolutionize several industries. We need to be very careful in developing & deploying this DishBrain tech in an ethical manner.

A microscope image of neurons within DishBrain, with cells highlighted using fluorescent markers

Measures to keep in mind while developing the future with DishBrain

There are certain things that we should keep in mind while making this technology public. A few of these are:

Establish clear ethical guidelines

Clearly define your ethical standards. It’s critical to establish precise ethical standards for the creation and application of DishBrain technology. DishBrain’s possible hazards, the necessity of receiving participants’ informed consent, and the value of maintaining participants’ privacy should all be covered by these rules.

Create a regulatory framework

Establish a foundation for regulation. The development of a regulatory framework for DishBrain technology is also crucial. DishBrain technology should be developed and used under the supervision of this framework to guarantee its safety and responsibility.

Educate the public

It’s important to bring public awareness about DishBrain technology to the masses and how it can impact us all.

DishBrain is an empowering brand-new technology that could enhance our lives in a number of ways. However, we need to create this tool (DishBrain) in a responsible manner. If we adhere to these steps, then we will be able to put this super smart bot called DishBrain onto Earth as the positive impact that technology can have on this planet!

Conclusion

Neuron-based computers are just around the corner

DishBrain is advanced tech that can change many industries and applications. With the ability to change lives as it can redefine how we live, work & interact with the world there’s been an upside-down increase in its value. Nevertheless, it should be mentioned that this technology is still in its infant stage, and plenty of dangers and difficulties come with it.

There are huge advantages possible despite the challenges of DishBrain tech. DishBrain can work wonders in improving healthcare, education, commute systems, or any critical infrastructure. As well as creating novelty products or services that enhance the livelihood of ourselves and others. So, we should begin to consider the potential consequences of DishBrain technology and devise ways to minimize the potential negative effects and to make the most of the benefits. There’s definitely potential for DishBrain tech to change everything, but we must be mindful of how we utilize it.

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