Playing Doom on Living Human Neurons

Cortical Labs, an Australian company, created a chip powered by roughly 200,000 human neurons that learned to play Doom in about a week — outperforming random play but far below human skill. The chip learns faster than traditional silicon-based ML systems. The neurons are interfaced via Python, developed by independent developer Shawn Cole. Researchers admit they don't fully understand how the neurons process visual input or learn game objectives. The stated real-world goal is using these bio-wetware chips to control robotic arms. Ethical questions about neuron consciousness and the implications of brain-chip-powered robots are raised throughout.