Brains and Machines

Discover the cutting-edge advancements in neuromorphic engineering as experts delve into the creation of circuits that emulate biological neurons. Learn about integrating these technologies in prosthetics for enhanced sensory feedback and data transmission. The discussion also touches on ethical dilemmas of pain perception in robotic systems and the challenges of connecting bio-inspired networks to the human nervous system. From non-invasive stimulation techniques to groundbreaking biorebotics, the blend of biology and technology takes center stage.

Amirreza Yousefzadeh, a neuromorphic hardware architect with a rich background in designing scalable hybrid AI systems on a chip, discusses the advancements in neuromorphic technology. He shares insights on balancing research and commercialization, particularly with the development of the Seneca chip. The conversation delves into the integration of neuromorphic systems in automotive applications, the need for better market demonstrations, and challenges in traditional machine vision. Plus, there's a spotlight on the role of power efficiency in driving innovation.

In this episode of Brains and Machines, Professor Shih-Chii Liu, co-director of the Sensors Group at the Institute of Neuroinformatics (INI)—part of both the ETH and the University of Zurich, Switzerland—talks to Brains and Machines host, Dr. Sunny Bains, about neuromorphic cochlea, sparsity and deep networks, and what it will take for the technology to solve real problems in industry. Discussion follows with Dr. Giulia D’Angelo from the Czech Technical University in Prague, and Professor Ralph Etienne-Cummings of Johns Hopkins University.

Emre Neftci, director at the Peter Grünberg Institute, dives into the fascinating world of spiking neural networks. He reveals how his research is transforming backpropagation for more efficient learning, mirroring brain functions. The conversation highlights the potential of neuromorphic computing in robotics and AI memory management. Neftci discusses innovations in prosthetic technologies, showcasing the exceptional capabilities of interfacing nerve fascicles. This insightful dialogue explores the future of intelligent systems inspired by our own biology.

Dr. Chiara Bartolozzi, head of the event-driven perception for the robotics group at the Italian Institute for Technology (IIT) in Genoa, develops analog sub-threshold circuits to make bio-inspired brains for robots. Her group focuses on exploiting information from event-driven vision and tactile sensors for cognitive tasks, and she works extensively with iCub: a research platform in the form of a robot child, developed in Italy and used throughout Europe.In this episode of Brains and Machines, you’ll hear her talk to Dr. Sunny Bains about how neuromorphic technology can be used to implement attention mechanisms, the importance of embodiment, and why we need a solid theory of how neural systems can work together to create intelligence.Discussion follows with Dr. Giulia D’Angelo from the Czech Technical University in Prague, and Professor Ralph Etienne-Cummings of Johns Hopkins University.

Tobi Delbrück, a pioneer in neuromorphic engineering and professor at the Institute of Neuroinformatics in Zurich, delves into his journey from Caltech to cutting-edge technology. He discusses the evolution of dynamic vision sensors, highlighting how they can mimic human sight for better efficiency. The conversation also tackles the role of sparsity in enhancing neural hardware, impacting fields like robotics and speech recognition. Delbrück emphasizes the shift from theory to practice, showcasing the real-world applications of neuromorphic computing.

In this episode of Brains and Machines, Sunny Bains gets deep into nanoscale ferroelectrics with Professor Beatriz Noheda, director of the Groningen Cognitive Systems and Materials Center (CogniGron). They discuss how this unusual interdisciplinary research center works, why nanoscale ferroelectrics may be useful in brain-like systems, and a little about how they are designed and fabricated.

Simeon Bamford, a senior researcher at the Italian Institute of Technology, specializes in tactile neuromorphic sensors and the commercialization of dynamic vision sensors. He discusses how circuits might restore lost functions due to brain damage. The conversation also covers advancements in tactile sensors that enhance robotic touch, contrasting traditional and event-based technologies. Bamford highlights the potential of his work in treating neurological conditions, emphasizing the importance of practical applications in neuroscience and robotics.

Malika Pavant, Head of the Emergent Intelligence Substrates Lab in Zurich, delves into the fascinating world of memristors and their transformative potential for machines. She explains how these devices enhance neural systems' efficiency by mimicking biological features. The conversation covers the importance of adaptability in autonomous robots and discusses new strategies for neural networks to function across varying timescales. Pavant highlights the synergy of resistive memory technologies with traditional silicon, paving the way for more intelligent machines.

Steve Furber, Emeritus Professor at the University of Manchester and co-designer of the ARM architecture, shares his groundbreaking work in neuromorphic engineering. He discusses the evolution of associative memories and the design innovations behind the SpiNNaker platform, emphasizing brain-inspired computing's potential. Furber also explores challenges in timing and communication within neuromorphic systems and hints at the advancements coming with SpiNNaker 2, paving the way for improved AI applications and robotic navigation.