] Central to the experiment is Potter's
] belief that over time the teams will be able to establish
] a cultured in vitro network system that learns like the
] living brains in people and animals do. To achieve that,
] the information from the robot’s sensors is sent back
] through the system to the cultured network of cells in
] the form of electrical stimuli. By closing the loop, the
] group hopes the robot will learn something about itself
] and its environment.

Is this significant or just fringe science? Potential significance:

- Combination of biological and electronic systems. There's other interesting work in this field, some of which Potter has been involved with.

- Development of effective laboratory technique is an important contribution to research in the squishy sciences.

- An agent whose brain and sensors/actuators interact through the internet.

Researchers Use Lab Cultures to Create Robotic ‘Semi-Living Artist’