Neuromorphic Computing

Neuromorphic Computing

The third generation of artificial neural networks

Neuromorphic Computing

In the Neuromorphic Computing field of competence, we concentrate our activities on research into the third generation of neural networks referred to as spiking neural networks. With this technology, the data between the information processing units is encoded in the form of spikes, similar to the human brain. Spiking artificial neural networks enable the energy- and latency-efficient processing of information, especially when neuromorphic hardware is utilized.

Our research activities center on improving the learning capability and intelligence of technical systems, whether in the manufacturing, automobile and robotics. To carry out these activities, we rely on findings from the field of neurobiology and apply software methods from the area of artificial intelligence (AI) and the subarea of deep learning. We also develop algorithms and software for highly energy-efficient neuromorphic hardware and its use in the area of machine learning.            

    Research focus

    1.  Neuromorphic robotics
      Controlling mobile or industrial robotics in an energy efficient way with low latency is critical for tomorrow's autonomous robots. More AI will have to be processed on device, as robots and objects get more intelligent and it will have to save on battery life. Neuromorphically controlled robotics is an essential topic with problems such as SLAM, motion control, online learning, … In this research line, we focus on motion control, with two projects, one about robot swimming (INRC1), one about object insertion with a robotic arm using reinforcement learning (INRC3). On the simulation side, in the frame of the Human Brain Project, we participate in the development of the Neurorobotics Platform that is a central tool for all our projects.
       
    2. Neuromorphic vision
      Event-based sensing, and in particular vision, is essential to robotics. So this second research line actually serves the first one, though it is more recent. In this research line, that could be applied in automotive, security, military, smartphone, medicals, household electronics, etc, we focus on mobile robotics (drones in the FAMOUS project), industrial robotics (robotic arm in ELEANOR) and human-machine interaction in an upcoming project. We also explore opportunities in space applications and automotive.

    More information

     Axel von Arnim

    Your contact

    Axel von Arnim

    +49 89 3603522 538
    vonarnim@fortiss.org

    Projects

    Publications