Qing Wu, principal electronics engineer at the Air Force Research Laboratory, has said a neuromorphic computer chip being developed by IBM could help boost the capacity of artificial intelligence-based defense systems, DoD News reported Thursday.
Wu added the Defense Department-funded TrueNorth chip technology is designed to mimic the function of human neurons and perform advanced computations while dissipating less power than conventional chips.
“This is about building more intelligent machines that will work with humans to make human operators and analysts be more effective and efficient when dealing with data.”
AFRL formed a partnership with IBM in June to develop a supercomputer that would help users discover information and facilitate neural network learning through the use of a 64-chip Neurosynaptic System array as well as sensory processing and pattern recognition tools.
TrueNorth’s interconnected cores are designed to process and store data simultaneously.
Mark Barnell, senior computer scientist at AFRL’s information directorate, said he believes the technology can potentially help human defense analysts make decisions and plan military operations.