Learning from the brain to make AI more energy-efficient

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses how the Human Brain Project is tackling the issue of energy efficiency in computing by drawing insights from the human brain. It explores the development of neuromorphic technologies that mimic the brain's energy-efficient information processing, and how this is leading to breakthroughs in AI and brain research.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Learning from the brain to make AI more energy-efficient

1. What are the key advantages of the brain's energy efficiency compared to classical computers?

• The brain uses only around 20 Watts of power to perform trillions of operations, while classical computers require much more energy.
• Brains have evolved to be highly energy-efficient, in contrast to power-hungry classical computers.

2. How are neuromorphic technologies transferring insights from the brain to optimize AI, deep learning, robotics, and automation?

• Neuromorphic computing systems use spiking artificial neurons and take inspiration from how the human brain functions, promising high energy efficiency, fault tolerance, and flexible learning ability.
• The Human Brain Project has developed two key neuromorphic systems, BrainScaleS and SpiNNaker, which emulate the brain's efficient signaling and information processing.

3. How are brain-derived algorithms being developed to reduce energy demand for AI systems?

• Theoretical neuroscientists in the Human Brain Project have developed algorithms that more closely resemble biological brain networks, proving to significantly reduce energy demand when run on neuromorphic hardware.
• A collaboration between HBP researchers and Intel demonstrated up to a 16-fold decrease in energy demand using brain-inspired algorithms on Intel's Loihi neuromorphic chip.

[02] Accelerating brain research through neuromorphic computing

1. How does the development of powerful and efficient neuromorphic computing create a positive feedback loop with brain research?

• Neuromorphic computers that mimic biological learning mechanisms can be used to study and better understand the adaptability and learning capabilities of the brain.
• This allows for insights into biological learning principles, research into synaptic plasticity, and accelerates progress towards powerful artificial learning machines.

2. What are some examples of brain-inspired algorithms and techniques being developed within the Human Brain Project?

• Researchers have developed "evolutionary algorithms" that mimic the process of biological evolution through natural selection, providing insights into biological learning principles and improving research into synaptic plasticity.