Category: Tech

Neuromorphic computing is an approach to computing that is inspired by the structure and function of the human brain. Right now, it is mostly used in research by universities, governments, and big tech companies like IBM and Intel. However, this technology has a lot of potential. Furthermore, neuromorphic processors are energy efficient. It could be very useful in areas that need fast and efficient AI, such as self-driving cars, smart devices, and advanced computing.

What is Neuromorphic Computing?

Neuromorphic computing is a way of building computers to work like the human brain and nervous system. These computers use artificial neurons and connections, just like the brain, to process information

It is an emerging discipline of artificial neural networks. This helps them solve problems, recognize patterns, and make decisions faster and more efficiently than regular computers.

“It’s hardware and software inspired by the brain,” said Andreea Danielescu, a researcher at Accenture Labs, in an interview with Built In.

How Does Neuromorphic Computing Work?

To understand neuromorphic computing, we first need to know how the brain works. As we know it is an approach to computing that mimics the way the human brain works.

According to expert Daniel Bron, neuromorphic computers are designed to work like the neocortex, the part of the brain responsible for thinking, sensing, movement, and language. Moreover, the neocortex has layers of neurons and connections that help process complex information quickly.

In the brain, neurons and synapses send and receive information almost instantly. For example, if you step on a sharp nail, your brain immediately tells your foot to move. Neuromorphic computers try to copy this fast and efficient way of processing information.

Neuromorphic computers try to copy the brain’s efficiency using spiking neural networks.

Spiking neurons make up these networks, storing and processing data like real brain cells. Artificial synapses connect them and send electrical signals between them, just like in the brain. A spiking neural network is like a hardware version of an artificial neural network a system of algorithms that helps regular computers think more like humans.

How Neuromorphic Computing Is Different From Traditional Computing

Neuromorphic computers work differently from regular computers, which use a system called von Neumann architecture.

Traditional computers process information using binary code (only 1s and 0s). They also work step by step, with the CPU handling processing and RAM storing memory separately.

Neuromorphic computers, on the other hand, use millions of artificial neurons and synapses to process many pieces of information at the same time. This makes them much faster for complex tasks. They also combine memory and processing more closely, making them better for handling large amounts of data.

For many years, computers have followed the Von Neumann architecture. These computers are used for everything from writing documents to running complex science programs. However, they have some problems. They use a lot of energy and can slow down because of how they move data between memory and the processor.

As we need more powerful computers in the future, this design may not be enough. Because of this, scientists are exploring new types of computers, like neuromorphic computing, which works like the human brain, and quantum computing, which uses the special rules of quantum physics. These new designs could help solve the problems of traditional computers.

Researchers say the time is ripe to start building the first large-scale neuromorphic devices that can solve practical problems.

Benefits of Neuromorphic Computing

Neuromorphic computing has many advantages and could change the way computers work in the future.

Faster Than Traditional Computers

Neuromorphic computers work more like the human brain. They process information quickly and use less energy, making them faster and more efficient than regular computers.

Great at Recognizing Patterns

Neuromorphic computers can process lots of information at the same time, making them very good at finding patterns. This also helps them detect unusual activity, which is useful for things like cybersecurity and health monitoring.

Can Learn Quickly

These computers can learn and adjust in real time, just like humans. They change the connections between their “neurons” based on new experiences, helping them improve over time.

Uses Less Energy

One of the biggest benefits of neuromorphic computing is that it saves energy. This is especially important for artificial intelligence, which usually requires a lot of power to run.

Neuromorphic computing draws on neuroscience insights to tackle the challenges related to the sustainability of today’s energy-hungry AI.