In a groundbreaking development, researchers from Tianjin University and Southern University of Science and Technology have created a robot controlled by an artificial brain grown in a laboratory. This innovative "brain-on-a-chip" technology combines human stem cell-derived brain organoids with a neural interface chip, enabling the robot to learn tasks such as obstacle avoidance and object manipulation.

The team claims this is the world's first intelligent open-source brain-on-chip integrated information interaction system, potentially paving the way for brain-like computing. Ming Dong, vice president of Tianjin University, explains that the system can encode and decode feedback from stimulation, representing a significant step forward in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology.

The researchers have also made strides in improving brain organoid integration and growth using low-intensity ultrasound. This technique enhances neuron differentiation and network formation with the host brain, opening up possibilities for treating neurodevelopmental disorders and repairing cerebral cortex damage.

While the technology is still in its early stages, it demonstrates China's commitment to advancing BCI research. The team's work could lead to the development of hybrid human-robotic intelligence, potentially revolutionizing fields from healthcare to computing.

As this research progresses, it raises intriguing questions about the future of artificial intelligence and its integration with biological systems. The ethical implications and potential applications of such technology are sure to spark debate in scientific and public spheres alike.