New computer will mimic human brain -- and I'm kinda scared

Sabine Hossenfelder
13 Jan 202406:37
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRA lab in Australia is developing a groundbreaking neuromorphic supercomputer named 'DeepSouth', modeled after the human brain's structure and function. Unlike AI's software-based neural networks, this computer will use FPGAs to simulate neurons, aiming to understand the brain's energy-efficient operation. The project, based at Western Sydney University, could revolutionize computing by potentially creating devices that mimic the brain's capabilities but at a much faster pace, while significantly reducing energy consumption.

Takeaways
  • 🧠 A new 'neuromorphic' supercomputer is being developed in Australia, designed to mimic the human brain both in structure and function.
  • 🚀 This supercomputer, named 'DeepSouth', aims to perform about 228 trillion operations per second, which is significantly less than the capabilities of current supercomputers.
  • 🌟 Unlike traditional AI and neural networks, neuromorphic computing focuses on hardware that resembles the brain's physical connectivity and functionality.
  • 🔌 The human brain operates on approximately 20 Watts, while current AI systems require much more energy for training and operation.
  • 🔍 The goal of the 'DeepSouth' project is to understand the brain's energy efficiency and potentially apply these findings to future computing technologies.
  • 🔧 Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) will be utilized in the 'DeepSouth' supercomputer, allowing for electronic reconfiguration to simulate neural behavior.
  • 💡 The incorporation of 'spiking' neurons in the supercomputer is intended to better reflect the sudden threshold at which biological neurons transmit information.
  • 🔄 The researchers are incorporating randomness into the artificial neurons, as it is believed to play a significant role in the human brain's function.
  • 📅 The 'DeepSouth' computer is planned to be completed by April of the current year and will be remotely accessible for research purposes.
  • 🌐 The project is not aimed at creating a super powerful computer but rather at understanding and replicating the brain's efficient use of power.
  • 🎯 The advancements in neuromorphic computing could lead to the development of devices that work like a human brain but at a significantly faster speed.
Q & A

  • What is the main goal of the new supercomputer being built at Western Sydney University?

    -The main goal of the new supercomputer is to mimic the structure and functionality of the human brain in terms of hardware, not just the algorithm, aiming to understand how the human brain operates on such low power and potentially reduce the energy requirements for artificial intelligence systems.

  • How does neuromorphic computing differ from artificial intelligence?

    -Neuromorphic computing focuses on building hardware that resembles the human brain's structure and functionality, while artificial intelligence deals with creating intelligent systems through software and algorithms, often using neural networks as a key component.

  • What is the significance of the term 'neuromorphic' in the context of computing?

    -The term 'neuromorphic' refers to the design of computers that are modeled after the neural structures and processing capabilities of the human brain, aiming to replicate the brain's efficiency and low power consumption in information processing.

  • What is the role of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) in the development of the new supercomputer?

    -FPGAs will be used to simulate the function of neurons, particularly the 'spiking' behavior, which is the threshold at which neurons pass on information, and to introduce randomness into the artificial neurons' behavior, reflecting an important aspect of the human brain's operation.

  • Why is the new supercomputer named 'DeepSouth'?

    -The name 'DeepSouth' acknowledges the computer's location in Sydney, Australia, and also pays homage to Google's DeepMind and IBM's TrueNorth, both of which are significant projects in the field of neuromorphic computing.

  • What is the estimated completion date for the DeepSouth computer?

    -The researchers plan to complete the DeepSouth computer by April of the current year.

  • How does the human brain's energy consumption compare to that of current artificial intelligences?

    -The human brain operates on approximately 20 Watts, which is significantly less than the energy consumed by training and running current artificial intelligences.

  • Why are the researchers interested in slowing down the electronics for the neuromorphic computer?

    -Slowing down the electronics is necessary to physically resemble the human brain, as neurons update their state over a few milliseconds due to chemical reactions, which is much slower than modern computer processors.

  • What is the potential benefit of mapping neural networks from software to hardware?

    -Mapping neural networks from software to hardware could dramatically decrease the energy requirements for running artificial intelligence systems, making them more efficient and cost-effective.

  • How can one stay updated with the latest scientific developments?

    -One can stay updated with scientific developments by subscribing to science magazines like Nautilus, which covers a wide range of scientific topics and provides in-depth articles written by scientists.

  • What is the significance of the 228 trillion operations per second that the new supercomputer is capable of?

    -The significance of 228 trillion operations per second is that it is a substantial number, yet it highlights the contrast with the efficiency of the human brain, which performs a vast number of operations with minimal energy consumption.

Outlines
00:00
🧠 Innovations in Neuromorphic Computing

Researchers at Western Sydney University are developing a groundbreaking supercomputer named 'DeepSouth' that mimics the structure and function of the human brain. This neuromorphic computer aims to perform operations similar to the brain's 228 trillion per second but with significantly lower energy consumption. Unlike artificial intelligence, which uses software to represent neural networks, neuromorphic computing focuses on hardware that physically resembles the brain's neural networks. The project utilizes Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) to simulate neurons and their 'spiking' behavior, incorporating randomness to reflect the complexity of the human brain. The goal is not to create an ultra-powerful computer but to understand the brain's efficient energy use, which could revolutionize AI by reducing its current high energy requirements.

05:00
🚀 The Future of Brain-like Computing

The development of 'DeepSouth' opens up the potential for creating devices that operate like a human brain but at a million times the speed. This humorously raises the question of the implications of such advanced technology. The video also highlights the importance of staying informed about scientific advancements and recommends Nautilus, a science magazine covering a wide range of topics. Nautilus offers both digital and print versions and is known for its high-quality writing and graphic design. A special offer is provided for viewers to get a 15% discount on a membership subscription by using a custom link.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡supercomputer
A supercomputer is an extremely powerful computer that can perform a vast number of calculations quickly. In the context of the video, the new supercomputer being built in Australia is designed to mimic the human brain's structure and function, with the ability to perform about 228 trillion operations per second. This supercomputer, named 'DeepSouth', represents a significant advancement in neuromorphic computing, aiming to understand and replicate the efficiency of the human brain's operation on a much lower power consumption than traditional computing systems.
💡neuromorphic computing
Neuromorphic computing is a type of computing architecture that is modeled after the neural structures and functioning of the human brain. Unlike traditional computing, which uses silicon-based microchips, neuromorphic computers aim to replicate the brain's interconnected web of neurons and synapses. The goal is to process information in a more efficient and power-saving manner, similar to how the brain does. The video discusses the development of such a computer, 'DeepSouth', which is designed to operate like a human brain but with the potential to be much faster.
💡neural networks
Neural networks are a set of algorithms modeled loosely after the human brain, designed to recognize patterns. They are a crucial component of machine learning and AI, where they attempt to mimic the way the brain operates, enabling the classification and processing of complex data. In the video, it is mentioned that while AI neural networks share some similarities with those in the human brain, they are fundamentally different because AI networks are based on software running on traditional hardware like microchips, whereas neuromorphic computing seeks to integrate the network structure directly into the hardware.
💡Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs)
Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are integrated circuits that can be programmed after manufacturing to perform specific tasks. Unlike traditional microprocessors, which are fixed in their function, FPGAs offer flexibility and can be reconfigured to solve different problems. In the context of the video, FPGAs are used in the 'DeepSouth' supercomputer to simulate the function of neurons, particularly the 'spiking' behavior, which is how neurons transmit information in the brain. This approach allows for a more energy-efficient and brain-like computation.
💡DeepSouth
DeepSouth is the name of the new supercomputer being developed at Western Sydney University. The name is a nod to both its geographical location and the computational paradigm it represents, which is similar to Google's DeepMind and IBM's TrueNorth. Unlike other neuromorphic computers, DeepSouth is designed to use Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) to simulate the behavior of neurons, aiming to understand the brain's low-power processing and potentially pave the way for more efficient computing technologies.
💡energy efficiency
Energy efficiency refers to the ability of a system or device to perform its intended function while using the least amount of energy. In the context of the video, the human brain operates with remarkable energy efficiency, requiring only about 20 Watts of power. The goal of the 'DeepSouth' supercomputer is to understand and replicate this efficiency, which is a significant challenge given that current artificial intelligence systems consume much more energy both in training and operation. By emulating the brain's low-power processing, neuromorphic computing could lead to a new generation of energy-efficient computing technologies.
💡spiking neurons
Spiking neurons refer to the communication mechanism of biological neurons in the brain where they transmit information through discrete events called 'spikes'. These spikes are electrical signals that travel along the neuron's axon and are used to communicate with other neurons at synapses. In the context of the video, the 'DeepSouth' supercomputer is designed to simulate this spiking behavior, which is a critical aspect of how information is processed in the brain. By mimicking this process, researchers hope to create a more efficient and brain-like computing system.
💡IBM's TrueNorth
IBM's TrueNorth is a neuromorphic chip that was introduced in 2014, designed to mimic the structure and function of the human brain. It contains 1 million 'neuromorphic' cores, each of which is designed to behave like a neuron in the brain. The chip is specifically designed to support neural network operations and is an example of earlier attempts to create hardware that operates on principles similar to those of the human brain. The video script positions 'DeepSouth' as a new development in this field, aiming to advance beyond the capabilities of existing neuromorphic processors like TrueNorth.
💡randomness
In the context of the video, randomness refers to the unpredictable and varied behavior that is being incorporated into the artificial neurons of the 'DeepSouth' supercomputer. This is based on the observation that the human brain's operations are not entirely deterministic and that randomness seems to play a significant, though not fully understood, role in cognitive processes. By introducing an element of randomness, the researchers aim to make the artificial neurons behave more like their biological counterparts, potentially leading to more efficient and effective computing.
💡Nautilus
Nautilus is a science magazine that covers a wide range of topics across various scientific disciplines. It provides up-to-date information on current scientific discussions and features articles written by scientists that offer in-depth insights and behind-the-scenes stories. The video script recommends Nautilus as a resource for those interested in keeping abreast of developments in science, including the advances in neuromorphic computing discussed in the video.
💡artificial intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence, or AI, refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. AI involves the development of algorithms and systems that can perform tasks that would normally require human intelligence, such as speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation. In the video, AI is contrasted with neuromorphic computing, highlighting that while both involve neural networks, they have different goals and approaches. AI focuses on software-based neural networks running on traditional hardware, whereas neuromorphic computing aims to replicate the physical structure and functioning of the brain in the hardware itself.
Highlights

A new supercomputer is being built in Australia that will physically resemble and perform at the level of a human brain, with 228 trillion operations per second.

The supercomputer is being constructed at Western Sydney University and is part of the 'neuromorphic' computing paradigm, modeled after the human brain.

Neuromorphic computing is distinct from artificial intelligence, focusing on hardware rather than just algorithms.

Unlike AIs which use software-based neural networks, neuromorphic computers aim to replicate the physical structure of the brain's neural networks.

The new supercomputer, named 'DeepSouth', is influenced by Google's Deepmind and IBM's TrueNorth, but will operate differently.

Researchers plan to use Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) in the construction of DeepSouth, which can function as neurons and simulate 'spiking'.

The goal of the project is not to create a supercomputer but to understand how the human brain operates on minimal power.

The human brain requires only about 20 Watts of power, compared to the high energy consumption of training and running current AI systems.

By mapping neural networks from software to hardware, the energy requirements for AI could be significantly reduced.

FPGAs are used due to their slow processing speeds, which better mimic the update rate of neurons in the human brain.

The Deep South computer is expected to be completed by April of this year and will be accessible for remote research purposes.

The project could potentially lead to the development of a device that operates like a human brain but at a million times the speed.

The term 'neuromorphic' is broad and encompasses various approaches to creating hardware that mimics the brain's structure and functionality.

IBM's TrueNorth processor, introduced in 2014, was an early example of neuromorphic computing with 1 million cores designed to mimic neural firing in the brain.

Neuromorphic computing has the potential to revolutionize AI by creating more efficient and power-saving hardware architectures.

The research in Sydney is unique in its approach to incorporating randomness into artificial neurons, reflecting an important aspect of the human brain.

This project represents a significant step towards understanding and replicating the efficiency of the human brain's processing capabilities.

Transcripts

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