Scientists at Cortical Labs have demonstrated that human brain cells grown on a microchip can be trained to play Doom in one of the most unusual computing experiments yet.<\/p>\n
The Australian biotech company showcased the work using its CL1 biological computer, a system containing around 200,000 living human neurons grown on a microchip known as a multi-electrode array.<\/p>\n
The array allows the neurons to receive electrical signals from a computer and send responses back as control inputs for the game.<\/p>\n
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Human neurons trained to control Doom gameplay<\/p>\n
According to Cortical Labs, the experiment builds on earlier work in which lab-grown neurons learned to play the classic 1972 game Pong, but Doom presents a far more complex challenge due to its 3D environments and enemy encounters.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo bridge that gap, we needed to translate the digital world of Doom into the biological language of neurons, which is electricity,\u201d the researchers explained in a February 25 video.<\/p>\n
The system converts gameplay into electrical stimulation patterns delivered to different parts of the neural culture. When enemies appear on one side of the screen, corresponding electrodes stimulate that region of the neurons, which then respond with electrical signals interpreted as movement or shooting commands.<\/p>\n
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\u201cIf the neurons fire in a specific pattern, Doomguy shoots. If they fire in another pattern, he moves right, and so on,\u201d they said.<\/p>\n
Researchers said the cells are capable of basic learning and adaptation, though performance remains limited.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs it an esports champion? Absolutely not. Right now, the cells play a lot like a beginner who\u2019s never seen a computer.\u201d<\/p>\n