Intel will create an ecosystem for developing quantum computing and neuromorphic semiconductors, which are considered future technologies. It lays the foundation for R&D synergy with various industries, academia, and research institutes. Intel Lab, which leads Intel's prior art research, has launched related software (SW) one after another to revitalize the ecosystem.
Intel Lab unveiled a software development tool (SDK) and neuromorphic solution that can be applied to quantum computing at the 'Intel Innovation' event held in San Jose, USA from the 27th to the 28th (local time). Quantum computing is called 'dream technology' because it can perform faster calculations by using the property of quantum superposition. The SDK developed by Intel Labs can create algorithms that can run units of quantum information called 'qubit' on real quantum computers. It is currently in beta version that is used as the Intel Quantum SDK in the fields of chemistry, raw materials, organic mechanics, and financial modeling. Intel plans to offer additional solutions and devices including quantum dot qubit simulators. Intel Quantum SDK version 1.0 will be released early next year.
Intel has launched an all-round support for developers to conveniently develop quantum computing. Deggendorf Institute of Technology in Germany, Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, University of Pennsylvania, and Keio University in Japan are all supporting to develop and share quantum education courses.
Neuromorphic semiconductor technology innovation that mimics the human brain were also presented. With the growth of the artificial intelligence (AI) market, interest in neuromorphic semiconductors has also increased. Intel developed chips and solutions early to develop their neuromorphic technology capabilities. The ‘Loihi 2’ neuromorphic semiconductor chip and open source Lava SW were released last year leading research on neuromorphic computing.
Intel Labs announced an update to the Lava Framework at the event. It also introduced the next-generation neuromorphic system 'Kapoho Point' board that can operate the Loihi 2 chip. By using the newly announced Lava framework and Kapoho Point, deep learning applications can run up to 12 times faster than the Loihi 1 system. Power efficiency can also be improved up to 15 times. The Lava framework is provided free of charge on GitHub for more access to developers.
Intel also started a project to build a neuromorphic ecosystem. Through the Intel Neuromorphic Research Community (INRC), it is sponsoring eight universities, including George Mason University, Queensland University of Technology, Zurich, and Brown University. The project is made to develop structures and algorithms related to adaptive robots, biosensors for brain-computer interfaces, and auditory function detection. INRC forms a research community not only with universities but also with 180 companies around the world, including Accenture, Lenovo, and Mercedes-Benz,
Intel says, “We are nurturing future innovation through continuing education and partnerships with academia. We will also develop new tools for developers to make it easier to build real-world applications and support the research community.”
Reporter Dong-jun Kwon (djkwon@etnews.com)