Lifeboat Foundation

Divice recipe for making spiking artificial neurons.

Neurons, which are made of biological tissue, exhibit cognitive properties that can be replicated in various material substrates. To create brain-inspired computational artificial systems, we can construct microscopic electronic neurons that mimic natural systems. In this paper, we discuss the essential material and device properties needed for a spiking neuron, which can be characterized using impedance spectroscopy and small perturbation equivalent circuit elements. We find that the minimal neuron system requires a capacitor, a chemical inductor, and a negative resistance. These components can be integrated naturally in the physical response of the device, instead of built from separate circuit elements. We identify the structural conditions for smooth oscillations that depend on certain dynamics of a conducting system with internal state variables. These state variables can be of diverse physical nature, such as properties of fluids, electronic solids, or ionic organic materials, implying that functional neurons can be built in various ways. We highlight the importance of detecting the Hopf bifurcation, a critical point in achieving spiking behavior, through spectral features of the impedance. To this end, we provide a systematic method of analysis in terms of the critical characteristic frequencies that can be obtained from impedance methods. Thus, we propose a methodology to quantify the physical and material properties of devices to produce the dynamic properties of neurons necessary for specific sensory-cognitive tasks. By replicating the essential properties of biological neurons in electronic systems, it may be possible to create brain-inspired computational systems with enhanced capabilities in information processing, pattern recognition, and learning. Additionally, understanding the physical and material properties of neurons can contribute to our knowledge of how biological neurons function and interact in complex neural networks. Overall, this paper presents a novel approach toward building brain-inspired artificial systems and provides insight into the important material and device considerations for achieving spiking behavior in electronic neurons.

Any chip with a Smurf on it is going to automatically be 10% faster.

A case of the bubonic plague has hit Oregon, and the likely cause was a cat.

Health officials in Deschutes County announced last week that a resident, who has not been identified, had been diagnosed with the plague, in the state’s first human case in eight years. The individual was likely infected by their cat, the department says.

“All close contacts of the resident and their pet have been contacted and provided medication to prevent illness,” said Dr. Richard Fawcett, the Deschutes County Health Services Officer.

1X’s androids use Embodied Learning, integrating AI software directly into their physical forms for advanced capabilities.

Maximizing adaptable hardware potential, 1X employs comprehensive autonomy, teaching motor behaviors via neural networks from visual input.

Continue reading “OpenAI backed 1X’s humanoid robots showcase an advanced neural network” »

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk sets ambitious goals for Starship, including a Moon mission in 5 years, a private space station, and Pentagon interest.

In addition to movies and themeparks, Disney is now also operating in robotics space but taking a different approach from the rest.

Disney is challenging our very notion of what constitutes a robot and if they need to work alone at all times to be effective.

Continue reading “How many robots can you see in this image? Disney sees two” »

“We are facing an almost guaranteed event with potential to cause an existential catastrophe,” says Dr. Roman V. Yampolskiy.

There is no current evidence that AI can be controlled safely and without proof that AI can be controlled, it should not be developed, a researcher warns.

“This is Frame, a reinvention of eyewear for the AI era,” says Brilliant Labs.

Brilliant Labs has become the latest company to introduce a pair of smart glasses called Frame.

Continue reading “OpenAI-buddy Brilliant Labs unveils eyeglasses with ‘AI superpowers’” »

There are many pain points that warrant discussions between the two nations but AI could be the thing that brings them to the table.

Relations between the United States and China have been downward recently. Topics like artificial intelligence (AI) and such technology in automated weapons could be common points of interest to get the two countries talking again.

Tensions between the two nations have been on the rise for a host of issues. Recently, the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, China’s burgeoning presence in the South China Sea, and the supply of powerful chips in the technology space have been areas of disagreement on both sides.

Continue reading “Talking about AI could help US-China cool off say experts” »