In vitro neurons learn and exhibit sentience when embodied in a simulated game-world

Integrating neurons into digital systems may enable performance infeasible with silicon alone. Here, we develop DishBrain, a system that harnesses 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 a high-density multielectrode array. Through electrophysiological stimulation and recording, cultures are embedded in a simulated game-world, mimicking the arcade game "Pong." Applying implications from the theory of active inference via the free energy principle, we find apparent learning within five minutes of real-time gameplay not observed in control conditions. Further experiments demonstrate…

• CH
  Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Research Institute
• MC
  Murdoch Children's Research Institute
• EC
  European Commission

  Award: 945539
• MU
  Monash University
• H2
  Horizon 2020 Framework Programme

  Award: 945539
• MR
  Medical Research Council

  Awards: 945539, 203147/Z/16/Z
• EA
  Economic and Social Research Council
• NH
  National Health and Medical Research Council

  Award: 1194910