OREANDA-NEWS. The idea of neuromorphic computing was first introduced by Carver Mead in the late 1980s. The idea was intended towards using the very-large-scale integration (VLSI) systems equipped with electronic analog circuits to mimic neuro-biological systems present in the human body. The development of this unique branch of engineering stemmed from Mead’s prediction that future computers would use ten million times more energy as compared to the human brain to deliver quick and efficient results.  In modern times, neuromorphic chips, which have been minimized in size to fit inside electronic devices or the human body, are used in a wide range of applications. A popularly seen application of neuromorphic chips is in the development of artificial intelligence.

Q.  How have neuromorphic chips enhanced artificial intelligence?

A. IBM, the technology giant, reported that it has been working on developing a computer chip that is expected to operate with the same intelligence as that of a rodent. The project, TrueNorth, started in 2008 with an aim to establish and enhance deep-learning in artificial intelligence. The announcement came in August 2015 that the company is working with Systems of Neuromorphic Adaptive Plastic Scalable Electronics, or SyNAPSE, to materialize this project. On a similar note, Qualcomm has also been working on integrating neuromorphic chips into silicon chips to process sensory data. The increasing investments to add value to the research and development of neuromorphic engineering promises to accelerate the progress in artificial intelligence, making machines act more humanlike.

Q. How will neuromorphic chips impact everyday lives?

A. The brain-inspired chips are blurring the boundary between biological mechanisms and technology. The powerful computing technology of neuromorphic chips is expected to boost the sectors such as aerospace and defense by allowing drones to process and react to visual cues in a far more intelligent manner. The data-crunching ability of these chips will also benefit the medical sector and revolutionize the experiment of self-driving cars by being as receptive as the human brain. The ability of neuromorphic chips to anticipate, learn, and react beyond the pre-programmed solutions is expected to impact everyday lives of users in the coming few years.

According to a research report published by Transparency Market Research, the global neuromorphic chips market was valued at US$396.1 mn in 2014. By the end of 2023, this market is expected to reach a valuation of US$1,801.9 mn, expanding at a CAGR of 19.1% between 2015 and 2023. Analysts predict that the growing demand for the miniaturization of integrated circuits will propel the overall market to reach the estimated figures. However, the transformations it brings about in the field of artificial intelligence will be an interesting event to observe closely as the world closes in on this decade.