An innovative development in the world of artificial intelligence shows that a simple ion-laced hydrogel can play the classic video game Pong and enhance its performance over time. Researchers are gearing up for additional experiments to determine if this material can manage more sophisticated computations, with the ultimate aim of utilizing it in robotic control systems.
Following the success of prior studies utilizing brain cells to play Pong, a team from the University of Reading in the UK, led by Vincent Strong, opted to explore a more fundamental approach with a polymer hydrogel infused with ions. This unique composition allows the material to react to electrical impulses. When electricity flows through the hydrogel, the ions migrate toward the current’s origin, moving water along with them and resulting in the swelling of the gel.
In their experiment, researchers employed a standard computer to facilitate a game of Pong, using a three-by-three grid of electrodes to apply current at various points on the hydrogel, simulating the ball’s movement. A secondary grid measured ion concentration changes within the hydrogel, which the computer interpreted as commands to position the paddle effectively.
The findings revealed that the hydrogel was not only able to engage in the game, but also exhibited an impressive ability to improve its accuracy by up to 10% with practice, resulting in longer rallies.
The unique properties of the hydrogel, which swell more rapidly than they shrink and show a reduced rate of swelling over time even under constant electrical conditions, contribute to a basic form of memory. The researchers assert these attributes allow the gel to retain a record of past movements.
“Instead of it just knowing what’s immediately happened, it has a memory of the ball’s motion over the entirety of the game,” explains Strong. “It accumulates experience regarding the ball’s general trajectory, not just its current position, functioning similarly to a black-box neural network with a recollection of the ball’s behavior.”
Strong acknowledges that, while the hydrogel’s complexity is minimal compared to that of brain neurons, the experiment demonstrates its capability to execute similar functions. He envisions its potential application in the creation of new algorithms for conventional computers that operate efficiently with minimal resources, fostering improved problem-solving strategies. Furthermore, he hints at the possibility of utilizing hydrogels as a computing medium within robotic systems.
“I won’t rule out incorporating a hydrogel system into the brains of robots,” adds Strong. “While that sounds intriguing, the feasibility is yet to be determined.”
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