Chinese researchers have achieved a significant breakthrough in artificial intelligence (AI) technology with the development of ‘Speck’, a new low-power, brain-inspired chip designed to revolutionize AI applications.
The collaborative effort, led by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), has resulted in a neuromorphic chip capable of dynamic computing. Speck uniquely combines a dynamic visual sensor and a neuromorphic processor on a single chip, achieving remarkably low resting power consumption.
“Speck consumes a mere 0.7 milliwatts when handling visual tasks,” said Li Guoqi, a researcher at the Institute of Automation of CAS. “This impressive energy efficiency makes Speck a promising solution for AI applications that prioritize low power consumption and responsiveness.”
The development of Speck marks a significant step forward in the field of neuromorphic engineering, which aims to emulate the neural structures and operation of the human brain in computing devices. By mimicking the way neurons process and transmit information, neuromorphic chips like Speck offer increased efficiency and speed over traditional computing architectures, especially in tasks involving perception and pattern recognition.
The potential applications for Speck are vast, ranging from portable AI devices and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to advanced robotics and autonomous vehicles. The chip’s low power requirements make it particularly well-suited for use in edge computing, where processing is done on devices rather than centralized servers, reducing latency and improving real-time responsiveness.
This advancement reflects China’s growing capabilities in cutting-edge AI and semiconductor technologies. As global demand for efficient AI solutions continues to rise, innovations like Speck are poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of intelligent devices and systems.
Reference(s):
Chinese scientists unveil energy-efficient 'brain-inspired' AI chip
cgtn.com
