Living cells and biological mechanisms as prototypes for developing chemical artificial intelligence

Area of Science:

• Chemistry
• Artificial Intelligence
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) traditionally relies on software or hardware (neuromorphic engineering).
• A novel approach, Chemical AI (CAI), leverages molecular, supramolecular, and systems chemistry in wetware to emulate intelligence.
• CAI presents a new frontier in developing intelligent systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and explain two promising strategies for advancing Chemical AI.
• To inform a non-specialist audience about the potential of CAI.
• To stimulate interest in the emerging field of CAI.

Main Methods:

• Designing and implementing neural surrogates that utilize chemical or optical signaling for network formation.
• Developing "bottom-up synthetic cells" for diverse applications.
• Presenting these concepts at a foundational level for accessibility.

Main Results:

• The described approaches offer pathways to create computational networks and micro/nanorobots using chemical signals.
• Synthetic cells show potential for applications in areas like nano-medicine.
• The work lays the groundwork for future research and development in CAI.

Conclusions:

• Chemical AI represents a paradigm shift in intelligence emulation, moving beyond traditional computing.
• Neural surrogates and synthetic cells are key enabling technologies for CAI.
• Further exploration of CAI promises significant advancements in computation, robotics, and medicine.