Information technology abroad: “Intelligent” chips have been created

IBM scientists have created two working prototypes of chips operating in a similar way with a living creature’s brain. These microcircuits are the usual semiconductor chips, made on the basis of 45nm technology. The electrical signals in them are transmitted according to biological mechanisms. The official site specifies that processors do not contain a biological tissue itself.

The core of each chip contains 256 "neurons" (similar to nerve cells), 262 144 "synapse" (connections between neurons) and 65,536 so-called "learning synapses." Using certain software algorithms, the electroscheme has enabled engineers to recreate the cells of the human brain by teaching the computer system primitive perception, cognition and reaction. In particular, in the laboratory, researchers have proven the system's ability to navigate in space, see, recognize texture, use associative thinking and classify objects.

Scientists believe that computers based on neuro-synaptic processors will not need to be programmed as the modern computing systems. They will explore the world on their own, guided by their experience, find correlations on their own and learn from the results.

Project to study intelligent computers SyNAPSE was launched by IBM in 2008 in collaboration with five institutions - Columbia University, Cornell University, the University of California and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The initiative is funded by the Agency of Advanced Defense Research Projects under the U.S. Department of Defense (DARPA).

The project includes three phases, the first two of which have been completed. The aim of the third phase is to design systems that are run by neuro-synaptic chips, such as control systems of engineering services and road traffic accidents which are able to foresee accidents and take preventive measures.

The IBM's activities in the field of artificial intelligence are not limited to SyNAPSE project. As far back as in 1956, the company built the world's first system that simulates the work of 512 neurons.