Neuromorphic chip mimics how brain works
DOI: 10.1063/PT.5.028399
MIT Technology Review : A computer chip is being developed by HRL Laboratories that uses a series of silicon neurons to transmit, receive, and interpret electrical signals. Its design has been modeled on the small size and energy efficiency of the brain. In a recent test, a prototype, consisting of 576 silicon neurons, was mounted on a tiny drone that was flown into three rooms. Upon entering each room, the chip gathered data from the craft’s optical, ultrasound, and IR sensors. The data triggered a pattern of electrical activity in the neurons that the chip then used to recognize the room again when the drone reentered it. By mimicking the way the brain learns, the chip could allow drones to analyze video and sensor data without human intervention. Such smart sensors could be incorporated into cars, airplanes, and other systems.
