Biological Computing Systems: An Analysis of Living Neuron-Based Computational Platforms

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of biological computing technology based on emerging commercial platforms that utilize living human neurons as computational substrates. Drawing from recent developments in neurotechnology, we examine two principal systems: the CL1 biocomputer developed by Cortical Labs (Australia) and FinalSpark's neuroplatform (Switzerland). These systems represent a paradigm shift from silicon-based artificial intelligence toward what developers term "Synthetic Biological Intelligence" (SBI). Our analysis reveals that biological computing platforms demonstrate extraordinary energy efficiency—achieving approximately one exaFLOP of computational performance while consuming only 20 watts, compared to conventional exascale supercomputers requiring 20–30 megawatts. We document the complete workflow from induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derivation through neural differentiation and multielectrode array integration, analyze the DishBrain proof-of-concept demonstrating adaptive learning in Pong gameplay, and critically evaluate the sustainability claims, current limitations, and profound ethical questions surrounding consciousness in cultured neural networks. While biological computing remains at Technology Readiness Level 3–4, this technology may address the escalating resource demands of artificial intelligence development, though substantial technical and philosophical challenges must be resolved before practical deployment.