Australian scientists are currently engaged in the development of a supercomputer known as DeepSouth, aiming to mimic the capacity of the human brain. The focus of this project is to replicate human brain synapses on a comprehensive scale. DeepSouth is designed to operate in a manner analogous to the network of neurons in the human brain. According to the researchers, the supercomputer is expected to perform 228 trillion synaptic operations per second, approaching or possibly matching the estimated cognitive operations carried out by the human mind within the same time frame.
The construction of the supercomputer is led by researchers at the International Neuromorphic Systems (ICNS) based at Western Sydney University.
Progress in our understanding of how brains compute using neurons is hampered by our inability to simulate brain-like networks at scale.
Professor André van Schaik, Director of ICNS, stated.
Professor André van Schaik, Director of ICNS, stated, ‘Progress in our understanding of how brains compute using neurons is hampered by our inability to simulate brain-like networks at scale. Simulating spiking neural networks on standard computers using Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and multicore Central Processing Units (CPUs) is just too slow and power-intensive. Our system will change that.’
The extraordinary computational efficiency of the human brain is demonstrated by its capability to perform billions of mathematical operations per second, consuming only 20 watts of power. The DeepSouth supercomputer is poised to achieve similar parallel processing capabilities through the implementation of neuromorphic engineering—a design approach inspired by the functionality of the brain. Employing this design strategy, the supercomputer will utilize interconnected artificial neurons and synapses to carry out tasks. Essentially, it seeks to emulate the brain’s capacity for learning, adaptation, and information processing in a parallel and distributed manner.
How will DeepSouth be different from your usual supercomputers?
In addition to its capacity for parallel processing akin to the human brain, the DeepSouth supercomputer boasts a distinctive architecture compared to traditional computers. Unlike the conventional setup featuring a CPU and memory chips for storing data and commands, DeepSouth is designed to rapidly process extensive data while consuming significantly less power and occupying a more compact physical space.
Researchers foresee DeepSouth contributing to advancements across various domains, including sensing, biomedical research, robotics, space exploration, and large-scale AI applications. They also anticipate a transformative impact on smart devices, encompassing mobile phones and sensors. Furthermore, by emulating brain functionality, researchers expect to develop more effective approaches for executing AI processes in comparison to existing models.
Why is it called DeepSouth?
The DeepSouth supercomputer is developed based on IBM’s TrueNorth system, which initially sparked the concept of supercomputers constructed to mimic the extensive network of neurons in the human brain. Notably, IBM was also responsible for creating the Deep Blue supercomputer, renowned for defeating a world chess champion. Deep Blue marked a historic achievement as the first computer to win a match against a reigning world champion.
Furthermore, the nomenclature ‘DeepSouth’ is said to reflect its origin in Australia, situated in the Southern Hemisphere and colloquially referred to as the ‘land down under’ and the ‘great southern land.’
