Nov 18, 2020 |
New electronic chip delivers smarter, light-powered AI
(Nanowerk News) Researchers have developed artificial intelligence technology that brings together imaging, processing, machine learning and memory in one electronic chip, powered by light.
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The prototype shrinks artificial intelligence technology by imitating the way that the human brain processes visual information.
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The nanoscale advance combines the core software needed to drive artificial intelligence with image-capturing hardware in a single electronic device.
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With further development, the light-driven prototype could enable smarter and smaller autonomous technologies like drones and robotics, plus smart wearables and bionic implants like artificial retinas.
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The study, from an international team of Australian, American and Chinese researchers led by RMIT University, is published in the journal Advanced Materials ("Fully Light-Controlled Memory and Neuromorphic Computation in Layered Black Phosphorus").
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The light-powered AI chip - prototype technology that brings together imaging, processing, machine learning and memory. (Image: RMIT University)
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Lead researcher Associate Professor Sumeet Walia, from RMIT, said the prototype delivered brain-like functionality in one powerful device.
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"Our new technology radically boosts efficiency and accuracy by bringing multiple components and functionalities into a single platform," Walia who also co-leads the Functional Materials and Microsystems Research Group said.
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"It's getting us closer to an all-in-one AI device inspired by nature's greatest computing innovation - the human brain.
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"Our aim is to replicate a core feature of how the brain learns, through imprinting vision as memory.
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"The prototype we've developed is a major leap forward towards neurorobotics, better technologies for human-machine interaction and scalable bionic systems."
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Total package: advancing AI
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Typically artificial intelligence relies heavily on software and off-site data processing.
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The new prototype aims to integrate electronic hardware and intelligence together, for fast on-site decisions.
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"Imagine a dash cam in a car that's integrated with such neuro-inspired hardware - it can recognise lights, signs, objects and make instant decisions, without having to connect to the internet," Walia said.
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"By bringing it all together into one chip, we can deliver unprecedented levels of efficiency and speed in autonomous and AI-driven decision-making."
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The technology builds on an earlier prototype chip from the RMIT team, which used light to create and modify memories.
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New built-in features mean the chip can now capture and automatically enhance images, classify numbers, and be trained to recognise patterns and images with an accuracy rate of over 90%.
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The device is also readily compatible with existing electronics and silicon technologies, for effortless future integration.
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Seeing the light: how the tech works
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The prototype is inspired by optogenetics, an emerging tool in biotechnology that allows scientists to delve into the body's electrical system with great precision and use light to manipulate neurons.
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The AI chip is based on an ultra-thin material - black phosphorous - that changes electrical resistance in response to different wavelengths of light.
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The different functionalities such as imaging or memory storage are achieved by shining different colours of light on the chip.
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Study lead author Dr Taimur Ahmed, from RMIT, said light-based computing was faster, more accurate and required far less energy than existing technologies.
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"By packing so much core functionality into one compact nanoscale device, we can broaden the horizons for machine learning and AI to be integrated into smaller applications," Ahmed said.
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"Using our chip with artificial retinas, for example, would enable scientists to miniaturise that emerging technology and improve accuracy of the bionic eye.
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"Our prototype is a significant advance towards the ultimate in electronics: a brain-on-a-chip that can learn from its environment just like we do."
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