Australian breakthrough: Brain-like chip could transform robotics
Scientists from Australia's RMIT University have developed a chip that functions like a brain and sees like an eye, potentially revolutionizing robotics and autonomous vehicles.
Australian engineers at RMIT University have created a tiny brain-like device capable of detecting hand movements, storing visual memories, and processing information—all without relying on an external computer. This innovative chip mimics the functions of the human brain and eye.
The heart of the device is a metal compound
"Neuromorphic vision systems are designed to use similar analogue processing to our brains, which can greatly reduce the amount of energy needed to perform complex visual tasks compared with digital technologies used today," said Professor Sumeet Walia, the project’s lead researcher and director of RMIT's Center for Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, in a university announcement.
The small chip contains molybdenum disulfide, or MoS2, a metal compound only a few atoms thick. It detects light and processes visual information in real-time. "This proof-of-concept device mimics the human eye’s ability to capture light and the brain’s ability to process that visual information, enabling it to sense a change in the environment instantly and make memories without the need for using huge amounts of data and energy," stated the project's lead author.
What are the potential applications of this technology?
The new technology could significantly enhance the reaction time of autonomous vehicles and advanced robotic systems, which is crucial in dangerous and unpredictable environments. "Neuromorphic vision in these applications, which is still many years away, could detect changes in a scene almost instantly, without the need to process lots of data, enabling a much faster response that could save lives," explained Prof. Sumeet Walia.
During experiments, the device detected changes in the movement of a waving hand without needing to record events frame by frame, significantly reducing data and energy processing demands. The team now plans to expand this proof-of-concept to a larger array of pixels based on MoS2.
Australian scientists await patent
RMIT has applied for a provisional patent for this technology, and the research has been published in the journal "Advanced Materials Technologies." The team is also working on integrating this technology with conventional digital systems, which could offer benefits for visual processing where energy efficiency and real-time operation are critical.
