Future Visions: Neuromorphic Computing

This webinar took place on 29 November 2022.

techUK is excited to bring you the next event in its Future Visions series - The series explores the next-generation technologies at the cutting edge of research and development that are set to disrupt industries, challenge incumbents, and act as a catalyst for growth. It offers the opportunity to learn about the latest advances in technology from those at the heart of its development, and what this might mean for your business.

Neuromorph-what? What is neuromorphic computing and what does this mean for the future of compute? How does the human brain immerse itself into complex tasks and decisions every day, and yet somehow use less energy than a lightbulb?

It is this question that guides the principles behind neuromorphic computing. The primary objective behind neuromorphic computing is to construct a cognition machine that learns, retains data, and makes logical conclusions like humans and thus understand more about how the human brain work. This is through artificial neurons that are designed following modern neurobiological models of spiking neural networks (SNN).  Each of the spiking neurons maintains and updates its states independently and communicates with the other neurons over a network of connections of an arbitrary structure. This creates new algorithmic approaches that can, among other capabilities, emulate how the human brain interacts with the world.

This could bring dramatic benefits in terms of energy efficiency, execution speed, and revolutionise AI models. But will this computing ever move from the research labs and power the next innovative solutions across robotics, sensing and AI? And if so, how will the tech sector engage and use this technology alongside existing computing infrastructure at use?

In this webinar, techUK will gather industry leaders at the forefront of neuromorphic computing innovation to explain why the UK tech sector needs to understand neuromorphic computing, and the benefits it may one day unlock. We will explore if the UK is developing technology communities working across this technology, and what timelines we can expect as research around neuromorphic computing continues.

This is an exploratory session set to envision how neuromorphic computing will shape the UK tech sector in years to come, and develop a deeper understanding as to what this technology infrastructure may one day achieve.

Speakers include:

• Jim Scott, Head of Strategic Engagement, Lockheed Martin

• Yulia Sandamirskaya, Applications Research Lead, Neuromorphic Computing Lab, Intel Labs

• Aidong Xu, ​Head of Semiconductor Capability, Cambridge Consultants

Click below to view our other Unleashing Innovation series