The rapid advancement of AI is influencing every aspect of society, from creative domains such as generating text and images to addressing significant social challenges like early disease detection and climate change prediction.
This technological innovation is profoundly transforming the way we work and live, while also challenging us to reconsider what defines the unique strengths of humans.
Today, the distinctive abilities of the human brain—such as adaptability to unfamiliar environments and remarkable learning efficiency—are garnering renewed attention and focus.
The SoftBank Research Institute of Advanced Technology has been focusing on these brain functions and actively researching their application to computing technologies.
One of our key breakthroughs involves 'cerebral organoids,' small artificial brain tissues created using iPS cells.
By constructing and controlling cultured neural circuits with these organoids, we believe it is possible to develop accelerators that leverage the strengths of the brain.
We have named this the 'Brain Processing Unit (BPU),' and since 2022, we have been collaborating with artist Daito Manabe and the Ikeuchi Laboratory at the University of Tokyo. Together, we have been working on methods to stimulate cerebral organoids, analyze their activity data, and develop the necessary APIs, networks, and other interface technologies required for these operations.
This exhibition showcases the current state of cerebral organoid research and the vision we are pursuing through cutting-edge technologies.
Born in Tokyo in 1976, Daito Manabe grew up immersed in music and programming under musician parents. After experiences as a DJ and jazz band member, while studying at Tokyo University of Science, he was influenced by Xenakis and began researching mathematical approaches to music generation, which became the foundation for his later creative work.
In 2006, he founded Rhizomatiks, exploring the fusion of technology and physical expression through collaborations with Perfume and ELEVENPLAY alongside director/choreographer MIKIKO, leading to innovative projects including AR direction for the Rio Olympics closing ceremony. He has collaborated with numerous artists including Ryuichi Sakamoto, Björk, Nosaj Thing, Squarepusher and Arca, with his distinctive Audio Visual performances presented at international festivals worldwide, including Sonar Barcelona. Recently, through collaboration with neuroscientists, he creates works merging life and machinery using biofeedback systems with cultured neural cells. As Director of Rhizomatiks, he spearheads the organization while creating works through his own Studio Daito Manabe. Through collaborations with diverse creators, he continues to produce innovative pieces that explore new relationships between humans and technology.
Yoshiho Ikeuchi is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo. Following his research trainings at The University of Tokyo, Harvard Medical School, and Washington University in St. Louis, he has been conducting research that integrates neuroscience and tissue engineering since 2014. By creating neural cells and tissues (organoids) from human iPS cells, his laboratory aims to understand the mechanisms underlying development, functions, diseases of the brain.
SoftBank Research Institute of Advanced Technology was established in April 2022 as an organization tasked with researching and developing new technologies that can be implemented into society. As agents activating social change, we will move the world forward with new technologies to help create a better future for society.
We present research on computing technologies utilizing cerebral organoids. Alongside displays of experimental equipment used for cultivation, stimulation, and measurement, we offer panel explanations covering everything from the fundamentals of cerebral organoids to the latest research developments.In particular, we highlight efforts to enhance information processing capabilities through 'connectoids'—networks of multiple cerebral organoids connected via axons—as well as the development of interface technologies that modularize complex electrical stimulation control for computational purposes.
Music transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries, evoking emotional responses in people across the globe. But how is this universal power of music perceived and processed by our nervous system?
Our brain can instantly analyze the complex elements of music and recognize its features. This project investigates the fundamental mechanisms of music recognition using cerebral organoids, shedding light on the intrinsic relationship between the art form of music and the biological systems of life.
This project explores the potential for intelligent control through biological systems, rather than relying on artificial intelligence. The adaptive learning capabilities of living organisms allow them to flexibly respond to dynamic and unpredictable environments, such as real-world settings. By incorporating actual brain neural circuits as the core of a robotic control system, this project aims to establish a novel control architecture.
The biological brain is an exceptional system that continuously processes external information in real time while acting, generating appropriate subsequent behaviors. This project investigates the unique mechanisms of learning and adaptation inherent in living systems, utilizing cerebral organoids—small-scale neural cell networks.
Why do humans involuntarily respond to music with movement? This project explores the origins of this universal human response at the most fundamental level of life—neurons.
Our bodies constantly maintain rhythm without conscious effort. The heartbeat, synchronized brain waves, and breathing rhythms—all of these life activities exhibit inherent rhythmicity. Using cerebral organoids, this project investigates the relationship between this intrinsic rhythm of life and the response to external rhythmic musical stimuli.
Researchers at the forefront of neuroscience will be invited to share the latest insights and engage in discussions on the future potential and challenges surrounding BPU and related fields.
We will invite guests who explore the artistic expression of cutting-edge technologies to discuss societal changes and future possibilities driven by advances in neuroscience.
Softbank Research Institute of Advanced Technology BPU Event Management Office
GRP-bpu-contact@g.softbank.co.jp
SoftBank Research Institute of Advanced Technology
Collaborators:
Daito Manabe, Studio Daito Manabe, Ikeuchi Lab (Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo), INERTIA
Direction, Composition, Sound Design & Programming, Visualization: Daito Manabe (Rhizomatiks, Studio Daito Manabe)
Software Engineering: 2bit, Ayumu Nagamatsu
Production Support: Keke (Studio Daito Manabe), Yuta Okuyama
Project Management: Takao Inoue (Rhizomatiks)
Advisor: Masaki Teruoka
Exhibition Space Design: Takahito Hosono (OFF-FLAT)
Construction: ARTE, Tatsuya Motoki (OFF-FLAT)
Production Collaboration: SoftBank Research Institute of Advanced Technology, Yoshihiro Ikeuchi Lab (Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo)
Equipment Collaboration: Panasonic Connect Co., Ltd.
Director: Tomoyuki Ichikawa (Nippachi Factory)
Assistant Director: Aya Shinohara (Nippachi Factory)
Motion Graphics & Editor: strings W
Open the FAQ, glossary, authority, measurement, and AI index pages. Each link now states what it is for.