Is the Human Brain the Key to the Next Evolution in Computing Power?
Imagine a future where the lines between humans and machines become a blur, where the extraordinary computing power of the human brain fuels the next era of technological evolution. Our endless desire for faster, smarter, and more powerful technology is driving us toward a reality once reserved for science fiction.
As Moore’s Law reaches its natural limits, we could be the missing piece of the puzzle needed to bypass the natural order. The solution to the next wave of computing breakthroughs might lie not in a distant lab or new silicon chip but within our own minds.
Welcome to the dawn of brain-powered computing—where science fiction, modern technology, and human biology converge to unlock unimaginable potential. If you're curious about how your brain could be the key to the future of artificial intelligence, you're in the right place.
Unpacking the Limitations of Moore’s Law
As we hurtle towards a bright new future peppered with ever-evolving technology, AI-powered everything and dreams of conquering the stars, it turns out our starting block was also our stumbling block.
In 1965, Gordon Moore, the co-founder of Intel, established Moore’s Law when he boasted that we had the skills and technology needed to take our computing power to new heights and lower costs by increasing the number of transistors on a microchip. By doubling this number every two years, our ability to advance would be unstoppable—that was until Mother Nature decided she didn’t want her kids running too wild.
Our overly enthusiastic application of Moore’s Law is about to run headlong into three immovable realities:
Rather than hide from the fact that the way we have boosted technology up until now is offering smaller and smaller advancements, researchers and developers have begun to look closer to home for the solutions—really close. According to some of the most cutting-edge research into expanding our computing power, the answer lies within the human brain, not some mythical replacement for silicon.
The Untapped Potential of the Human Brain
This more organic approach to advancing technology bypasses the idea that we must create computers that work like our brains and leans into a future reality where our computers are our brains. We already have the most potent multi-processing chip in the world. Why reinvent the brain when all we need to do is learn how to wield it?
Here are three reasons not to fix something that isn’t broken:
The Brain’s Unique Processing Power:
The human brain is one of the most powerful computers known to mankind. While it can lack the raw processing power of specialised chips, it excels in parallel processing and is incredibly energy efficient. According to Advait Madhavan, a University of Maryland assistant research scientist, the brain can process an exaflop (a billion-billion or 1 followed by 18 zeros) queries per second using only 20 watts of power.
Neural Networks and the Brain-Computer Interface:
Recent advancements in neural networks allow computer models and machine learning algorithms to process data in a way that is similar to how the brain would. This, in turn, provides for the advancement and deeper integration of BCIs (brain-computer interfaces). These devices have been used to help track banal data points to people's attention levels to life-changing applications that allow paralysed individuals to use thought to control assistive devices, as we have seen with Neuralink.
The Synergy Between the Human Brain and AI:
Combining the brain's unmatched “thinking power” with the ever-evolving computing power of artificial intelligence lays the groundwork for eerily impressive hybrid systems. AI is fantastic at managing vast amounts of data and performing complex calculations, while our brains shine when it comes to intuition, adaptability, dealing with “unknowable” inputs like emotions and being creative. Meshing these strengths could see computational processing and creative problem-solving taken to new heights.
Organic Brain Computing is Not Future Tech
We do not have to wait until the future to explore the synergistic relationship between biological brain matter and technology. Su-Chun Zhang led the University of Wisconsin-Madison research team, which successfully 3D bio-printed brain materials for this specific purpose. Their process allows for creating large flat sheets that transmit data just as a functional natural human brain does—all we have to tell it is what to send.
Not convinced that this level of biotech is a present reality? Check out these mind-blowing examples that showcase the power of ‘mind over matter’.
Neuralink: Gaming at the Speed of Thought
Early in 2024, Noland Arbaugh became the first person to bring us closer to the realities of Cyberpunk 2077 when he received a Neuralink brain computer chip. Learning to use his mind to operate a computer might once have sounded like science fiction, but for Arbaugh, it is a life-changing reality, as he has been paralysed from the neck down since 2016.
While it took Arbaugh several months of trial and error to learn how to use the implant for gaming on his computer, the second Neuralink recipient, known only as Alex, could play the popular first-person shooter Counter-Strike within days. He also used ‘the Link’ to design and 3D print a custom charger mount for his BCI.
The integration of the BCI has advanced to the point where the company claims it took Alex only five minutes to learn to move the cursor and less than 24 hours to beat the brain-powered cursor control world record.
Brain Organoids: Welcome to the Borg
Developing and researching brain organoids could be key to using brain tissue for mainstream next-generation computing. An Indiana University Bloomington research team, led by Feng Guo, has used stem cells to create lab-grown brain cells that were then connected to computer chips.
The mini-cyborg playfully referred to as Brainoware, was then interfaced with an AI tool, allowing it to process and retain information. The youngling even began to show rudimentary signs of speech recognition, though its accuracy rates left much to be desired.
Guo believes Brainoware could be the key to bypassing computing bottlenecks like data processing, saying: “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.”
Brain-Powered Computing: Now Only $500
A Swiss technology firm, Final Spark, took things a step further with the launch of Neuroplatform. Rather than using small organic clusters to create specialised processors, the company has used the neural networking capabilities of brain tissue to develop a living computing network. They believe these organic server farms are a sustainable way to support AI development through reduced energy consumption.
FinalSpark co-founder Fred Jordan explains:
“Our principal goal is artificial intelligence for 100,000 times less energy than what’s currently required to train state-of-the-art generative AI.”
If this type of out-of-the-box technology titillates you, but you don’t see yourself ever having a Bruce Wayne-sized account balance to bankroll it yourself, Neuroplatform has you covered. For as little as $500 a month, you can apply to rent access to a bio-computing cluster comprising four shared organoids. There is also an option for industrial applications with pricing to be confirmed based on the number of organoids needed for your project.
Where to From Here?
As the saying goes, “You can’t put the Genie back in the bottle,” and why would you when it holds the key to granting all your wishes? If “all your wishes” boil down to not getting bottlenecked by heat distribution and a near-maddening demand for more processing power, then brain-powered computing has granted your wish.
With the promise of enhanced organic processors, drastically reduced power consumption, the ability to 3D print organic units, and the positive reception of early projects like Brainoware and Neuralink, it is time to accept the fact that resistance truly is futile.
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About the Author
Desmond Kurz is a technology enthusiast with an optimistic vision of a bright future for humanity. With more than 30 years of business experience, he also authors articles, videos and provides consulting services to assist businesses of all sizes. Look for more from him on LinkedIn and YouTube. You can visit the Des Vader website for a full list of articles and a list of services provided.
Supply Chain executive
2moOne of the cool things about the more conversational AIs is exactly what you're referring to there - the filtering. Perfect or not, it still turns data into information. My fear is that too much information turns information straight back into data, and I would rather be Zaphod than Marvin 😄
Supply Chain executive
2moUsing the brain, and the way it learns, seems to be such an obviously good idea. Leveraging the input of experience (real or virtual), peer interactions and parental-type guidance builds quite good instinctive BS filters as well as subconsciously linking seemingly disparate things. So the question shifts from why things are linked to how to use the links better, and with access to more data, we should be building information quicker than ever. Scary but exciting!