In today’s era, the technical field is developing rapidly. New inventions are being made in computer technology which are making our lives easier. One of these new and interesting technologies is wetware computers. A wetware computer is a computer made of biological materials such as neurons. These computers are different from traditional computers because organic materials are used in them.
History of wetware computers
The concept of a wetware computer began in the 1990s when Georgia Institute of Technology scientist William Ditto created a simple calculator from living neurons. Leach’s neurons, named Curious, were used in this calculator. Ditto performed simple calculations of addition and subtraction by sending signals to neurons with the help of electrical probes. This was an important step that showed the possibilities of wetware computers.
- In the 1990s, Georgia Institute of Technology scientist William Ditto created a simple calculator from living neurons. This is considered to be the beginning of wetware computers.
- In 2002, researchers in Japan developed a wetware chip containing neuron cultures.
- In 2004, researchers at Stanford University created a DNA computer.
- In 2005, the European Union launched a 10-year research program on wetware computing.
- In 2015, researchers at the University of Bristol created a wetware processor from bacteria.
- Currently research on wetware computing is ongoing and new inventions are being made in this field.
Difference between normal computer and wetware computer
- Silicon chips are used in normal computers whereas biological materials like neurons, DNA etc. are used in wetware computers.
- A normal computer works on a binary system (0 and 1) whereas neurons in a wetware computer can operate in thousands of states.
- Normal computers are less energy efficient while wetware computers can be more energy efficient.
- The size of a normal computer is large whereas the size of a wetware computer can be very small.
- Ordinary computers are not able to solve complex problems like the human brain whereas wetware computers can work like the human brain.
- There may be a shortage of space in a normal computer whereas there is no shortage of space in a wetware computer.
Thus there are fundamental differences between the two that affect their functioning and capabilities.
How does a wetware computer work?
Traditional computers operate on binary systems (0 and 1) but neurons in wetware computers can operate in thousands of states. Neurons communicate signals by changing their chemical structure. Therefore there is no shortage of space in a wetware computer.
Advantages of wetware computers
There are many benefits of a wetware computer. These can be more energy efficient. Their size can be very small. These can work like the human brain. Research on wetware computers continues and more advanced versions may be seen in the future. Some scientists are taking the help of wetware computers in understanding the functions of the human brain.
Some of the possible advantages of a wetware computer may be:
- More energy efficient – Wetware computers can consume less power.
- Small size – Wetware computers can be very small in size.
- Higher processing speed – Wetware computers can work at faster speeds.
- Parallel Processing – Many tasks can be done simultaneously in wetware.
- Function like human brain – Wetware computers can function like human brain.
- Self-organization and learning capabilities – Wetware computers can learn on their own.
- Flexibility – Wetware computers can change their appearance according to conditions.
Thus, wetware computers can outperform conventional computers in many ways.
Disadvantages of wetware computers
Following are some of the potential disadvantages of wetware computers:
- Uncertainty and instability: Wetware computers are based on biological substances that can show uncertain and unstable behavior. It may be difficult to trust their output.
- Limited Capabilities: Wetware computers currently operate with very limited capabilities. Their processing speed and memory is very low.
- Complex Design: Wetware systems are very complex to design and maintain. These require special conditions.
- Limited lifespan: Wetware components have a limited lifespan. These need to be replaced or repaired regularly.
- High cost: Wetware technology is very expensive right now. Its research and development requires huge investment.
- Ethical Concerns: There are concerns over ethical aspects of wetware computers, such as the development of consciousness etc.
So wetware computing is still in the early stages of development and faces many challenges and limitations. These may be improved by future research.
What will happen if these computers start being used?
If wetware computers are used then the following changes may be seen in future:
- Extremely fast and powerful computers – Wetware computers can perform processing like the human brain, which will be much faster and more powerful than current computers.
- New heights of artificial intelligence – Wetware computers can simulate human intelligence which will revolutionize artificial intelligence.
- Small size computers – Wetware computers can be very small in size which will lead to portable and embedded computing.
- Energy efficient computing – Wetware computers consume less power which will enable green computing.
- New medical technologies – wetware computers may help in the treatment of brain diseases.
- Human-Computer Interface – Wetware computers can connect directly to the human brain, allowing new interfaces to be developed.
- Robots based on wetware computers can also be created which can work like humans.
Thus, wetware computing can bring revolutionary changes in computer technology. Although the wetware computer is still in the early stages of research, its potential is huge.
In summary, wetware computers are a new and challenging technology with enormous potential. Research on this technology is ongoing and we may see many interesting and useful applications of it in the future. But along with this, its ethical aspects also need to be seriously considered.
