“In Vitro Neurons Learn and Exhibit Sentience When Embodied in a Simulated Game-World”, 2021-12-03 (; similar):
Integrating neurons into digital systems to leverage their innate intelligence may enable performance infeasible with silicon alone, along with providing insight into the cellular origin of intelligence.
We developed DishBrain, a system which exhibits natural intelligence by harnessing the inherent adaptive computation of neurons in a structured environment. In vitro neural networks from human or rodent origins, are integrated with in silico computing via high-density multielectrode array. Through electrophysiological stimulation and recording, cultures were embedded in a simulated game-world, mimicking the arcade game Pong.
Applying a previously untestable theory of active inference via the Free Energy Principle, we found that learning was apparent within 5 minutes of real-time gameplay, not observed in control conditions. Further experiments demonstrate the importance of closed-loop structured feedback in eliciting learning over time.
Cultures display the ability to self-organize in a goal-directed manner in response to sparse sensory information about the consequences of their actions.