Australian researchers are on the verge of unveiling the world’s first supercomputer designed to simulate brain networks at an unprecedented scale. Named DeepSouth, this groundbreaking supercomputer is being developed by Western Sydney University, with the potential to revolutionize our understanding of how the human brain processes information with incredible energy efficiency.
The human brain, consuming a mere 20 watts of power, achieves the processing equivalent of an exaflop, or a billion-billion mathematical operations per second. DeepSouth, set to go online next year, will boast a remarkable capability of 228 trillion synaptic operations per second, rivaling the estimated rate of operations in the human brain.
The primary objective of DeepSouth is to unravel the mysteries of the brain’s energy-efficient processing capabilities. Researchers aim to comprehend how brains manage to use minimal power to handle vast amounts of information. Success in this endeavor could pave the way for the creation of a cyborg brain surpassing the power of the human brain.
“Progress in our understanding of how brains compute using neurons is hampered by our inability to simulate brain-like networks at scale,” explained André van Schaik, a director at Western Sydney University’s International Centre for Neuromorphic Systems. “Simulating spiking neural networks on standard computers using Graphics Processing Units and multicore Central Processing Units is just too slow and power-intensive. Our system will change that.”
DeepSouth is expected to be a game-changer in the field of neuroscience, offering a powerful tool for researchers studying the complexities of the brain’s neural networks. Ralph Etienne-Cummings at Johns Hopkins University noted that the supercomputer would attract two main types of researchers: those dedicated to neuroscience studies and those working on engineering solutions in the AI space.
While DeepSouth is a significant leap forward, other research projects around the world are exploring different approaches to creating machines that rival the computational capabilities of the human brain. Some researchers are delving into the realm of “biological computers,” exploring the potential of machines powered by actual brain cells. As technology continues to advance, these endeavors hold the promise of unlocking the secrets of our most intricate organ, leading to groundbreaking insights and innovations.
Reference: https://www.sciencealert.com/worlds-first-human-brain-scale-supercomputer-will-go-online-in-2024
