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The CL1: the first code deployable biological computer

corticallabs.com

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Re: The CL1: the first code deployable biological computer

#2

Post by dang »

This has been posted a few times and looks intriguing, but as far as we can tell, the only there-there is a signup list.

For a good HN thread, we should probably wait until the product is available—or at least for more information?

Edit: looks like there was some sort of earlier discussion at:

Melbourne startup launches 'biological computer' made of human brain cells - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43261218 - March 2025 (37 comments)

The comments are pretty generic, which is the sort of thread we get in the absence of more significant information, so I think waiting is probably the right call. Disagreement is welcome though!

Re: The CL1: the first code deployable biological computer

#4

Post by omneity »

"Real neurons" but whose neurons are they sourcing? And are all neurons born equal? Should we have a NeuronArena where people submit samples for eval?

@dang, agreed that the product cannot be discussed on technical merits as of now, but I suggest some of the ancillary topics (irrelevant of their technical implementation) such as neuron sourcing might be worth opening.

Re: The CL1: the first code deployable biological computer

#6

Post by nine_k »

omneity wrote: post #4

"Real neurons" but whose neurons are they sourcing? And are all neurons born equal? Should we have a NeuronArena where people submit samples for eval? @dang, agreed that the product cannot be discussed on technical merits as of now, but I suggest some of the ancillary topics (irrelevant of their technical implementation) such as neuron sourcing might be worth opening.

Since one batch of neurons is expected to survive "up to 6 months", there should be a way to reload it with new neurons. So neuron sourcing should be a recurring concern. The site says: «Real neurons are cultivated inside a nutrient rich solution, supplying them with everything they need to be healthy. They grow across a silicon chip»; this seems to mean that replacing the neurons would require special skills and knowledge, and maybe even a service contract.

Re: The CL1: the first code deployable biological computer

#7

Post by throwanem »

genpfault wrote: post #5

> the first code deployable biological computer First? C'mon, Anodyne was doing this back in the mid-80s[1]! [1]: https://www.mysteryfleshpitnationalpark.com/post/63769988673...

Hey, I recognize that robot! That was the Heathkit, wasn't it?

Re: The CL1: the first code deployable biological computer

#8

Post by throwanem »

nine_k wrote: post #6
omneity wrote: post #4

"Real neurons" but whose neurons are they sourcing? And are all neurons born equal? Should we have a NeuronArena where people submit samples for eval? @dang, agreed that the product cannot be discussed on technical merits as of now, but I suggest some of the ancillary topics (irrelevant of their technical implementation) such as neuron sourcing might be worth opening.

Since one batch of neurons is expected to survive "up to 6 months", there should be a way to reload it with new neurons. So neuron sourcing should be a recurring concern. The site says: «Real neurons are cultivated inside a nutrient rich solution, supplying them with everything they need to be healthy. They grow across a silicon chip»; this seems to mean that replacing the neurons would require special skills and kno…

See those three fluid inlets on the back in the render? Or what look a lot like quick-disconnect hose fittings, at least, and no wonder; this is among other things a life support system for brain tissue, and will minimally need to maintain hydration and exhaust waste. Operating the machine at all will certainly require engineering and environmental services only feasibly available in a professionally staffed and maintained laboratory.

That is one of the reasons why the "buy" CTA dispatches to a contact form. They can and must vet potential customers.

Re: The CL1: the first code deployable biological computer

#10

Post by andrewmcwatters »

Isn't it weird that they don't actually show what you can do with it?

I mean, I guess they have some capabilities mentioned in papers a few pages back in their website, but it doesn't pass the skink test of, "OK, show me how it works."

IDK, give me an actual code snippet right on the front page, or shut up.

I'm obviously not the target audience, but their marketing is aligned with the sort of "we made this look pretty because we want as many people remotely interested as possible to buy this thing."

Otherwise it could have been a lot more plain, and people seeking out this sort of technology would have found it.

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