Rat Brain Controls Robot: Neural Network Created on Petri Dish

In summary, a study demonstrated that a neural network can be formed by a few thousand rat neurons on a Petri dish with built-in electrodes, allowing for control and modification of behavior through feedback. This technology has been used to control an aircraft flight simulator and a small mobile robot, and has been previously reported on by researchers at Georgia Tech. This advancement is both impressive and potentially concerning.
  • #1
marcus
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http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/10/041022104658.htm

a few thousand individual cells, rat neurons, placed on a Petri dish with 60 built-in electrodes, spontaneously connect themselves to form a neural network which is capable of controling things*
and modifying its behavior as a result of feedback.

*controling things means controling an aircraft flight simulator (T. DeMarse at U. Florida) or a small mobile robot (S. Potter at Georgia Tech).

There may already be thread about this, since there was a Georgia Tech release about it over a year ago. Anybody remember?

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/04/030428082503.htm
 
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #2
Once more science fiction becomes reality :bugeye:
 
  • #3
Oh great. The next thing you know we will have robots digging through the garbage and crawling through the walls.

Really though, quite amazing; and a little scary.
 

1. How does the rat brain control the robot?

The rat brain controls the robot through a neural network that was created on a petri dish. This neural network mimics the connections and functions of a real rat brain, allowing it to communicate with and control the robot.

2. What is a neural network and how does it work?

A neural network is a set of algorithms that is modeled after the connections and functions of a biological brain. It is made up of nodes and connections, with each node representing a neuron and the connections representing synapses. Through these connections, the neural network is able to process information and make decisions.

3. How was the neural network created on a petri dish?

The neural network used to control the robot was created by culturing rat neurons on a petri dish. The neurons were allowed to grow and form connections, creating a functioning network. This process is known as neural tissue engineering.

4. What are the potential applications of this technology?

This technology has the potential to be used in various fields such as robotics, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence. It could also be used in medical research to study brain disorders and develop treatments.

5. Are there any ethical concerns surrounding this technology?

As with any emerging technology, there are ethical concerns that need to be addressed. One concern is the use of animal brains in creating the neural network. There are also concerns about the potential implications of creating a sentient being or the potential misuse of this technology.

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