These neuromorphic computers would be based on a technology called “spintronics,” which will better imitate biological brain functions, neurons and synapses through the use of “spin-neurons.” Prof Roy leads the research for spintronics at the Center for Spintronic Materials, Interfaces and Novel Architecture (C-SPIN). He said, "It's a concept that is inspired by how the brain works … We're talking about a whole different class of computing."
Spintronics is the function of using an electron’s spin state to represent a one or a zero as opposed to the electrical charges used by traditional CMOS computers. Like inside a magnet, electrons can spin “up” or “down” and be used to represent information. These “nanomagnets” can then be connected by wires to produce a computer network. Where the modeling of a synapse could take many CMOS circuits, a single spintronic device might be able to do the same thing, allowing for compact biomimicry.
It is worth noting that this technology would not replace traditional CMOS computing but instead work alongside current technologies. Prof. Roy says, “There are certain things CMOS general-purpose computers do very well, such as complex mathematical computations … However, there are other tasks CMOS has great difficulty with, such as facial recognition, which the human brain can easily accomplish."
In theory, neuromorphic computers should be able to perform biometrics and “everyday” human activities 10 to 100 times more accurately than CMOS. This will include processes like facial recognition, writing and walking.
The obvious question here is: Will this be the next link in the chain towards the singularity, artificial intelligence? No one knows. However, science fiction, a great predictor of many human accomplishments would say so. In Star Trek, Lt. Cmd. Data is an android with an Asimovian positronic brain which mimics the functions of the human brain. Not so different from what Prof. Roy has been saying.
Though Data’s brain mimicked his human counterparts, his intellect, memory and reflexes were all vastly superior. Most interesting of all, he even developed the ability to feel emotions. This begs another question: Are humans destined to build their next evolutionary link instead of siring one? Will we all be replaced by robots and androids? Is anyone’s job safe? The video below might suggest that most jobs are in danger, but only time will tell.
As for now, Prof. Roy’s grant will provide him with $2.3 million to help the DOD uncover this technology and turn it into a processor.
Source Purdue.