Jakarta, INTI – An extraordinary innovation has emerged from Melbourne, Australia. Biotechnology company Cortical Labs has officially launched CL1, the world's first commercial biological computer that operates using human brain cells. This revolutionary product was introduced at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona last week and is said to have the potential to revolutionize artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.
Biological Computer: Merging Brain and Silicon
CL1 operates by utilizing lab-grown neurons. These brain cells are designed to grow within a silicon chip, allowing them to send and receive electrical impulses. This technology is then integrated with Cortical Labs' Biological Intelligence Operating System (biOS), enabling users to deploy code through neurons to perform computational tasks.
The initial version of CL1 is equipped with a support system consisting of pumps, gas, and temperature control to ensure that the neurons remain alive for up to six months. “A simple way to describe it is like a body in a box,” said Brett Kagan, Chief Scientific Officer of Cortical Labs, as quoted by Independent.
Advantages of CL1 Over Conventional Computers
The main advantage of CL1 lies in its ability to learn and adapt more efficiently compared to conventional silicon-based computers. With lower power consumption, CL1 can complete complex tasks with significantly greater efficiency.
One remarkable achievement of this system is its ability to teach itself how to play the classic video game Pong. This technology allows the biological computer to merge biological aspects with traditional computing to create the ultimate learning machine. “Unlike traditional AI, our neural system requires minimal energy and training data to master complex tasks,” said a representative from Cortical Labs.
Price and Availability
The first CL1 computers are scheduled to be shipped to customers in June 2025. Each unit is priced at approximately 35,000 USD, which is around 574 million IDR (based on the exchange rate on March 13, 2025: 16,425 IDR per USD)
Cortical Labs is optimistic that the real impact and implications of this technology will continue to grow as researchers, academics, and developers innovate in various fields.
Conclusion
The arrival of CL1 marks a new era in computing, where biological and artificial intelligence merge to create more efficient, energy-saving, and adaptive technology. With vast potential in AI, robotics, and research, CL1 could become a significant milestone in the evolution of future technology. The world is now witnessing a major transformation in how humans and machines interact and learn together.
Read More : Microsoft Launches Data Center in Indonesia: Accelerating Digital Transformation and AI