With an aid of an electronic multi-state memory cell, RMIT University’s scientists have pioneered not only the technology of emulating the processes of human brain but also its ability of storing good amount of information. The discovery is a giant step that would make them closer to fabricating a bionic brain. Mirroring human brain processes would help treating Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s ailments claimed the team behind the discovery.
Brain is like a complex analog computer
Project leader Dr Sharath Sriram said that this is a ground-breaking development where they have been able to build a system that resembles brain in learning, storing and retrieving analog information. Just as a brain evolves through its prior experiences, like a complex analog computer, the digital technology employed in electronic multi-state memory cell too works on the same principle. Exceedingly dense and super-fast analog memory cells mirror the extremely sophisticated biological neural networks, he added.
The research is the second step to its previous version where uber-fast nano-scale memories were created on a super-thin film – that is, 10k times thinner than a human hair- of functional oxide material.
Neural network for artificial intelligence
The most exciting part of these new micro devices is that they not only store more information than conventional digital memories but also has an ability of remembering and retaining information like brain said Dr Hussein Nili, lead author of the study.
Nano-scale memories would help developing full-scale artificial brain for complex artificial intelligence network, where bionic brain would take AI to the next level. Another equally interesting application of bionic brain would be in providing treatment and experimentation consequent upon which, researchers would be able to get an in-depth analysis and higher understanding of neurological conditions.
[Image: abc.net.au]
