Artificial intelligence is starting to become a little less artificial… by using actual chunks of the human brain to improve what it’s capable of.
Scientists have created a ‘mini brain’ and combined it with AI to make a hybrid computer that can recognise different people’s voices.
And if people were already worried their jobs could be under threat from AI, this latest breakthrough might just add to those robots-will-take-over-the-world fears.
Researchers at Indiana University Bloomington in the US have built brain-infused computers named ‘Brainoware’ following a first of its kind experiment.
And it’s thought the new creation may even one day be capable of operating without any human supervision at all.
The technology could also pave the way for biocomputers that are capable of performing tasks regular computers can’t.
The computer effectively consists of clumps of brain cells which have been grown in the lab and are called organoids.
They are then connected to an electronic chip to form Brainoware, which can learn, process and remember information, according to the study.
Researchers say they hope the computer will plug gaps in the existing capabilities of AI, but admit we are still in the early stages of exploration.
They wrote: ‘The brain-inspired silicon chips are still limited in their ability to fully mimic brain function, as most examples are built on digital electronic principles.’
Although it has already been successfully taught basic speech recognition, Brainoware cannot yet actually understand what people are saying.
So mankind may not be rendered completely useless – just yet.
Here’s a look at just some of the recent AI developments:
The computer is set to help enhance AI even more in future, the study published in the journal Nature Electronics on Monday says.
It could help with insight into how the human brain works and how it is affected by neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
While it is much simpler than an actual brain, the ‘mini organ’ has some ability to adapt and change in response to stimulation.
Dr. Feng Guo, who led the study, told MIT Technology Review: ‘This is a first demonstration of using brain organoids [for computing].
‘It’s exciting to see the possibilities of organoids for biocomputing in the future.’
Last week, McDonald’s claimed it will soon roll out the latest AI technology to keep food ‘hotter and fresher’.
Now that’s AI we have no problem getting behind.
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