The United Kingdom will obtain a new center to be a pioneer in computer technologies inspired by brain and energy efficient. The multidisciplinary center for the neuromorphic computing of the United Kingdom, led by the University of Aston, will receive £ 5.6 million of approximately four years of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council of UCRI (EPSRC).
The center aims to become a focal point for the creation of networks and the collaboration in fundamental research and Technology or neuromorphic computing, addressing the sustainability Challenges that face current digital infrastructure and Artificial intelligence Systems.
The center will be directed by the Aston Institute of Fotonic Technologies (AIPT) and include leading researchers in the world of Aston University, the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, the University of Southampton, the Queen Mary of London University, the University of Laughborough and the University of Strathcllyde.
Neuromorphic computing seeks to replicate the structural and functional principles of the brain. However, scientists lack a deep understanding at the system level of how the human brain is calculated at cell and network scales.
Researchers aim to address this challenge directly, combining experiments of human neurons derived from stem cells with advanced computational models, low power algorithms and novel photonic hardware.
The center will be supported by a wide network of industry partners, including Microsoft Research, Thales, BT, Qinetiq, Nokia Bell Labs, Hewlett-Packard Labs, Leonardo, Northrop Grumman and several small to medium-sized companies. Their contributions will focus on improving the impact of the center on society.
Professor Rhein ParriCodirector and neurophysiologist at Aston University, said: “For the first time, we can combine the study of living human neurons with that of advanced computer platforms to jointly develop the future of computing.
“This project is an exciting leap forward, learning from biology and technology previously possible.”
The experts are aimed at coding neuromorphic systems inspired by the brain by study Ai Algorithms They also plan to create devices and hardware inspired by biological systems, such as the human brain.
These devices will use light or photonic hardware to process information. This approach will be the next big step to make computing more energy efficient and capable of handling many tasks simultaneously. They also aim to create a sustainable United Kingdom research ecosystem through training, road mapping and international collaboration.
Neuromorphic computing seeks to replicate the structural and functional principles of the brain. However, scientists lack a deep understanding at the system level of how the human brain is calculated at cell and network scales.
The central team includes world leading researchers with broad and complementary experience in neuroscience, non -conventional computer, photonic, Opto and Nanolectronics and Materials Science. In collaboration with policy formulators and industrial partners, scientists and engineers aim to demonstrate neuromorphic computing capacities in several sectors and applications.
Professor Natalia Berloff, co -director of the center based at the University of Cambridge, said: “One of the most exciting aspects of neuromorphic computing is the potential of photonic hardware to offer truly cerebral efficiency.
“Light -based processors can exploit mass parallelism and the propagation of the ultra -grape signal to overcome conventional electronics in demanding workloads, while consumes much less power. Beyond incremental improvements and a genuinely transformative computer paradigm.”
In addition, researchers are aimed Artificial intelligence.
Today’s AI systems are based on traditional computer hardware with increasingly high energy consumption (KW), which represents a barrier to scalability and sustainability. In contrast, the human brain performs complex calculation and communication tasks using only 20 watts.
The ambition of the center goes beyond the development of technology. Its objective is to serve as a basis for an interdisciplinary long -term research ecosystem, actively expanding its membership and reaching time.
It seeks to establish a sustainable center that continues to be a focal point for the community and prosper beyond the initial financing period, reinforcing innovationassociation and impact on the field of neuromorphic computing.
