Organoid Intelligence (OI) is an emerging research field that aims to use artificial brains to control machines to complete tasks. Unlike traditional AI, OI uses cultured brain cells as "wetware" to process information.
Key features include:
- Using "brain-like cells" cultured from stem cells as processing units
- Requiring special culture environments to maintain cell viability
- Currently limited lifespan, maximum of about 12 months
- Possessing the plasticity and adaptability of biological neurons
- Extremely low energy consumption, possibly only one-millionth of traditional processors
Although current performance is not yet comparable to AI, OI has the potential to solve AI's energy consumption bottleneck. Some recent advances include:
- Cortical Labs cultivated 800,000 brain cells that learned to play Pong in 5 minutes
- FinalSpark developed a biological processor using dopamine reward mechanisms
- Brainoware hybrid systems perform close to AI levels in tasks such as speech recognition
OI technology is still in its early stages but has enormous potential. In the future, it may be combined with other technologies, such as robotic skin, opening up new application possibilities.