"count the objects" is an interesting example to choose, it brings to mind the 1962 analog computer called "numa-rete" , composed of a grid of photocell nuerons (physical circuits) that works in parallel to instantaneously count the objects sitting on its surface.

Not far off from image recognition, save for the background segmentation ;)

machine is briefly described here, I've seen a more thorough breakdown somewhere out there... https://distributedmuseum.illinois.edu/exhibit/biological_co...