Defense sector allocates $600k grant to combine human brain cells with artificial intelligence

A research project combining human brain cells with artificial intelligence has been granted $600,000 by the defence sector and the Office of National Intelligence (ONI). 

Led by Monash University and Cortical Labs, the team behind DishBrain - brain cells capable of playing the classic video game Pong - aims to create programmable biological computing platforms by merging artificial intelligence and synthetic biology. 

Their article, published in the science magazine Neuron, states that a previously unimaginable synthetic biological intelligence is now within reach. 

The grant was awarded due to the need for a new type of machine intelligence capable of lifelong learning, which could greatly enhance technologies such as self-driving cars, autonomous drones, and delivery robots. 

AI leaders warn of the potential risks associated with artificial intelligence. The organisation Australians For AI Safety has written a letter urging the government to recognise and manage these risks, and to support research into AI safety. 

According to spokesman Greg Sadler, Australia is lagging behind in addressing the dangers posed by AI.

- CyberBeat