In a significant advancement for space technology, BrainChip Holdings Ltd has announced a licensing agreement with Frontgrade Gaisler, a prominent provider of radiation-hardened microprocessors designed specifically for space applications. The deal centres around the incorporation of BrainChip's Akida intellectual property (IP) into the development of fault-tolerant system-on-chip (SoC) solutions that will enhance AI hardware acceleration for future space missions.
This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in the integration of artificial intelligence into space-based operations. The Akida IP is noted for its efficiency and capability to process real-time data streams with minimal power consumption, weight, and volume—crucial factors within the stringent environment of space. The technology aims to elevate the performance and efficiency of on-board computers in spacecraft by utilising neuromorphic computing, which mimics the architecture and functioning of the human brain to achieve high efficiency in processing capabilities.
Laurent Hili, a microelectronics and data handling engineer at the European Space Agency (ESA), highlighted the significance of neuromorphic computing, particularly within the realm of computer vision. He stated, "While many fields no doubt can benefit from neuromorphic computing, one essential area is computer vision applications where current FPGA or GPU technology does not bring satisfactory results for edge deployments when considering mass, volume and power constraints." Hili's observations underline the ongoing efforts by ESA and other entities to harness emerging technologies to overcome challenges inherent in space missions.
The anticipated benefits from this agreement encompass enhanced inference performance for space-based systems, as well as ensuring compatibility with existing Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). Sandi Habinc, General Manager at Frontgrade Gaisler, expressed confidence in the partnership, saying, "For the last 20 years, Gaisler's space-grade microprocessors have been successfully deployed to every planet of our solar system in missions from ESA as well as most other space agencies." She further noted that the decision to license Akida IP represents a strategic enhancement for future space processors that will include neuromorphic AI capabilities.
Sean Hehir, CEO of BrainChip, outlined the importance of this collaboration, indicating its potential to meet the increasing market demand for AI deployments in space. He remarked, "This collaboration with Frontgrade Gaisler to license Akida IP for implementation into space SoCs represents an important step in satisfying the market demand for space-based AI deployments, turning into reality what once was considered unattainable."
The implications of this collaboration extend beyond immediate technological advancements, as it sets a precedent for the application of sophisticated AI capabilities in the unique and often harsh conditions of space, potentially transforming operations and efficiencies in future missions.
Source: Noah Wire Services