neurosynaptic chip

What is a neurosynaptic chip?

A neurosynaptic chip, also known as a cognitive chip, is a computer processor that is designed to function more like a biological brain than a typical central processing unit (CPU).

Neurosynaptic chips are a form of neuromorphic computing. Unlike cognitive computing and neural networks, which are forms of software that aim to emulate human thought and learning processes, the design of neurosynaptic chips uses artificial neurons to mimic the functioning of human brains on the hardware level.

Neurosynaptic chip uses

Typical computers work well for language, mathematical and data analytics processing. But tasks that even simple biological brains can perform efficiently often require a great deal of effort for standard CPUs.

A neurosynaptic chip is more efficient at these tasks, which include pattern recognition and sensory processing and learning. Especially in mobile contexts, where processing power is limited, neurosynaptic chips could be revolutionary. Users could carry out tasks such as selecting the best produce or finding repair points in electronics using smartphone cameras.

In a traditional computer architecture, a supercomputer would be required to perform these tasks, consuming massive amounts of power in the process. Neurosynaptic chips could make this possible with a tenth of the energy requirements.