Hybrid AI developed to detect explosives by 'smelling' them
A Silicon Valley-based tech start-up has created a hybrid artificial intelligence (AI) device that its founder claims can detect explosives by their smell. Nigerian inventor Oshi Agabi fused live neurons from the stem cells of mice into a silicon chip to create the detection system, which he said could also be used to detect cancerous cells in the same way dogs are able to do. His company, Koniku, was founded in 2015 and has raised $8m of revenue since then. Agabi says its objective is to extend its AI research and "build a brain".

Story highlights A Nigerian start-up founder has created a device that he says can be used to detect the smell of explosives and cancer cells

The device, Koniku Kore, is the first to fuse live neurons from mice stem cells into a silicon chip

Arusha, Tanzania (CNN) A Nigerian start-up founder has created a device that he says can be used to detect the smell of explosives and even cancer cells.

The device, called Koniku Kore , is the first to fuse live neurons from mice stem cells into a silicon chip.

Oshi Agabi said: "We merged synthetic neurobiology with traditional silicon technology with the goal of fixing urgent real world problems."

Silicon Valley-based Agabi unveiled his invention at TEDGlobal conference in Tanzania on Sunday and says it could one day revolutionize airport security, enabling travelers "to walk from their car to the aircraft."

"One of the problems that plagues us right now is security," he tells CNN.

Koniku Kore, a new device that may be able to detect explosives and cancer cells.

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