Project summary

I want to train human neurons for pattern recognition, like playing games or classifying images, similar to early AI research. However, I encountered many hardware problems, as there isn't a good, homogenous platform where human neurons can be cultured, monitored, and trained all in one place. So, I decided to develop the hardware. It's called AxoMini, a 10 cm device that integrates neuron culturing, monitoring, and training, serving both research and drug development purposes.

AxoMini will feature an inbuilt incubator and environmental controls for culturing neurons, a microelectrode array to sense "action potentials" or "spikes" from the neurons, and a spike system (capable of amplifying weak analog signals to digital and vice versa) to interface with simulators inside our computers.

What are this project's goals and how will you achieve them?

The project will focus on developing AxoMini. We will use off-the-shelf components for its development, with the main focus on integration and testing.

The AxoMini will be made available to researchers, providing them with a robust platform to develop their own training protocols and tackle real-world problems. Our aim is to facilitate advancements in biocomputing, driving innovation in a field that is still in its developmental stages.

AI Safety and Governance: The development of our hardware not only advances computational technologies but also provides a platform to explore and potentially define complex concepts such as consciousness and sentience. This could lead to the establishment of clearer guidelines and policies for conducting experiments and safely regulating AI systems as well.

How will this funding be used?

The funding will be used to develop the prototype of AxoMini.

Budget Overview. 

Spike system chips (Intan RHS 2116) - $2000

Microelectrode array (MEA) - $2500

Environment control parts - $400

Miscellaneous parts like Microcontroller, PCB, tools - $300

Who is on your team and what's your track record on similar projects?

Vishnu brings a robust background in AI and engineering, complemented by expertise in cell culturing. By the age of 18, I had already constructed three advanced robots and subsequently led a team to develop an autonomous swarm of robots for 3D mapping, which sharpened my leadership and technical skills. I further enhanced my portfolio by designing a UAV swarm test platform aimed at firefighting, optimizing algorithms to manage wildfires more effectively. I recently graduated with a master's degree in Robotics and Autonomous Systems from ASU.

What are the most likely causes and outcomes if this project fails? (premortem)

Researchers and drug developers need hardware that allows them to culture and train neurons in one place, facilitating easy entry into the biocomputing field. Without such advancements, they remain reliant on costly, bulky, and cumbersome equipment, which presents a significant barrier to entry and hinders collaboration between different labs and researchers.