TrueNorth Computers come with Brain Synapses

TrueNorth: The IBM recently unveiled what it calls the first nefrosynaptiko computer chip in the world, a processor that mimics the capabilities of the human brain and energy efficiency. 

The chip of IBM is known as TrueNorth, and could strengthen the forces of a supercomputer with a microprocessor th the size of a postage stamp. Instead of solving problems through brute-force mathematical calculations, as do today's processors, designed to understand the environment, to clarify the ambiguity, and take action in real-time animation in this context. 

A computer "dresses» TrueNorth is configured as the human brain. The chip TrueNorth incorporates 5.4 billion transistors, most of which has never been used in an IBM chip. It also features programmable one million neurons and 256 million programmable synapses. Of course the numbers are much lower than the 100 billion neurons and 100 trillion to 150 trillion synapses are beginning to be rather several. The chip is the core element of cognitive computer programs of IBM, known as Synapse. 

It is still under investigation, and the announcement says the second generation design. The IBM released the first generation a year ago. While still in prototype stage, could after two or three years to have our first commercial use. Experts believe that an innovation like the TrueNorth Synapse could help to overcome the performance limits of architecture von Neumann, the mathematical system kernel based almost every computer that was built from 1948 onwards. 

The new technique does not rely on the von Neumann architecture could one day give us devices that understand the world through sight, smell, hearing, just understand him and feel a man. 

The IBM plans to make the TrueNorth - along with a new custom programming language - first in universities and later to business customers. 

Imagine what risks can hide such a project. 

Future computers surpass humans in intelligence, has already been the subject of films Hollywood. Trying to create computers that think and feel the same way you think a human brain, we could expect autonomous vehicles working in warehouses, or robots to ensure security at home or in the city. 

The project is one of the most important of IBM, which spends $ 6 billion a year on research. In 2011, the supercomputer Watson beat the best players of «Jeopardy», an impressive display of computing power. 

But imagine that Watson is the most powerful engine made ​​the architecture of von Neumann. Requires more electricity than any home and technology ... considered outdated.