Intel introduces self-learning neuromorphic chip: Loihi

Intel self-learning neuromorphic chip

Intel developed a self-learning neuromorphic chip, “Loihi”, that mimics how the brain functions learning to operate various modes of feedback from the environment. It takes a novel approach to computing via asynchronous spiking.

Neuromorphic computing draws inspiration from our current understanding of the brain’s architecture and its associated computations.

The brain’s neural networks relay information with pulses or spikes, modulate the synaptic strengths or weight of the interconnections based on timing of these spikes, and store these changes locally at the interconnections.

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Loihi chip

Researchers test Loihi chip includes digital circuits that mimic the brain’s basic mechanics, making machine learning faster and more efficient while requiring lower compute power.

Neuromorphic chip models draw inspiration from how neurons communicate and learn. Using spikes and plastic synapses that can modulate based on timing. This could help computer self-organize and make decisions based on patterns and associations.

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The Loihi chip offers highly flexible on-chip learning and combines training and inference on a single chip. This allows machines to be autonomous and to adapt in real-time instead of waiting for the next update from the cloud.

Researchers demonstrated learning at a rate that is a 1 million times improvement compared with other typical spiking neural nets. Compared to convolutional neural networks and deep learning neural networks, the Loihi test chip uses many fewer resources on the same task.

The self-learning capabilities prototyped by this test chip have enormous potential to improve automotive and industrial applications as well as personal robotics any application that would benefit from autonomous operation and continuous learning in an unstructured environment.

It is 1,000 times more energy-efficient than general purpose computing required for typical training systems. In the first half of 2018, the Loihi test chip will share with leading university and research institutions with a focus on advancing AI.

More information: [Intel]

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