Events Calendar

Alfred E.Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering - Seminar series

Speaker: Feng Guo, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Intelligent Systems Engineering- Indiana University Bloomington

Talk Title: Brain Organoid computing for Sustainable AI and Medicine

Abstract: The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming our daily lives. However, current silicon-based AI computing devices face growing sustainability challenges. Running generative AI models (e.g., ChatGPT) demands significant computational power, generates excessive heat—requiring substantial cooling resources, and contributes to tremendous carbon emissions. Moreover, the massive manufacturing of silico-based computing chips also costs significant non-renewable sources. To address these issues, neuromorphic devices and systems, inspired by the structure and function of the human brain, are under active development. One promising neuromorphic approach involves utilizing human brain organoids, 3D brain-like tissues derived from pluripotent stem cells. These organoids demonstrate remarkable potential to mimic human brain information processing for sustainable AI and medical applications. However, challenges remain in fully harnessing their capabilities. Our research group has been exploring this new research area—brain organoid computing. In this talk, we will present our latest advancements in developing brain organoid hardware for real-world computing tasks such as speech recognition, equation prediction, and robotic decision-making with unique features including low energy consumption, fast learning, and renewability. Additionally, we will highlight leveraging organoid neural networks for functional phenotyping of neural disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, reading disorders, substance use disorders, etc. We believe this innovative approach can provide new insights into AI computing, brain-machine interfaces, and translational medicine while fostering a deeper understanding of the synergy between AI and natural intelligence.

Biography: Dr. Feng Guo is an Associated Professor of Intelligent Systems Engineering at Indiana University Bloomington (IUB). Before joining IUB in 2017, he received his Ph.D. in Engineering Science and Mechanics at Penn State and his postdoc training at Stanford University School of Medicine. His group is developing intelligent medical devices, sensors, and systems with the support of multiple NIH and NSF awards. He is a recipient of the NIH Director's New Innovator Award, the Outstanding Junior Faculty Award at IU, Early Career Award at Penn State, the Dean Postdoctoral Fellowship at Stanford School of Medicine, etc.

Host: Qifa Zhou

Location: Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience (MCB) - 102

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Carla Stanard