Biomimetics is another term that Kelly uses to refer to the work by Stenger that involves observing computations in biological organisms to develop algorithms. These algorithms in turn can be applied to electronic computing, Kelly reports. Stenger's research is being used to develop important signal processing algorithms using as clues the way in which neurons perform computations, thus improving on techniques that use more traditional artificial neural network algorithms, he adds. Kelly believes that it should be possible to grow and interconnect on the order of 100 neurons within the next five years from insects or arthropods, and that this level of complexity should be sufficient to demonstrate the potential for useful applications. Eventually, biomimetics research may make it possible to achieve useful levels of computation in a very small volume and with low energy levels.
Insects provide an existence proof.
But for the moment, Hickman, Stenger and their collaborators are constructing very basic two-cell circuits from living neurons to study how they interact. This is necessary to assemble a biological system and to mate it with a solid-state system. A hybrid computer system is one goal of the Hickman-Stenger research effort, but it still is on the horizon. Hickman reports that his group is arriving at the point of routinely constructing intricate patterns of neurons on patterned self-assembling monolayer diethylenetriamine substrates for use as functional circuits. He is reticent in discussions because technical manuscripts are being prepared, and patent applications are pending.