IISc Develops Breakthrough Brain-Inspired Computing Platform

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have created a brain-inspired analog computing platform that can store and process data using 16,500 conductance states within a molecular film. This advancement could democratize AI development on personal devices and significantly improve the efficiency of AI computations.

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have made a groundbreaking advancement in analog computing by developing a brain-inspired platform that can store and process data within 16,500 conductance states in a molecular film.

Published in the journal Nature on September 11, this discovery signifies a massive leap from traditional digital computers, which limit data storage and processing to just two states. According to IISc, this platform could enable the performance of complex AI tasks like training Large Language Models (LLMs) on personal devices such as laptops and smartphones, moving away from energy-intensive data centers.

Assistant Professor Sreetosh Goswami of the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE) at IISc, who led the research, explained that the new platform cuts down the time and energy required for calculations, thanks to its ability to tap into multiple states of conductance using precisely timed voltage pulses. This innovation has the potential to transform AI hardware, making computations more efficient and accessible.

(With inputs from agencies.)