Hi @Frangipani ,
The excerpt I posted immediately below the post from which you inferred a suggested Akida link refers to an algorithm.
Further on, that article continues:
In artificial intelligence, machine learning is a way that computers learn from data—lots of data—to identify patterns and make decisions or draw conclusions.
This automated process can be powerful when the patterns might not be obvious to human researchers looking at the same data, which is typical for large, complex data sets such as those involved in imaging and spectral analysis.
In MOMA's case, researchers have been collecting laboratory data for more than a decade, according to Victoria Da Poian, a data scientist at NASA Goddard who co-leads development of the machine learning algorithm. The scientists train the algorithm by feeding it examples of substances that may be found on Mars and labeling what they are. The algorithm will then use the MOMA data as input and output predictions of the chemical composition of the studied sample, based on its training.
"The more we do to optimize the data analysis, the more information and time scientists will have to interpret the data," Da Poian said. "This way, we can react quickly to results and plan next steps as if we are there with the rover, much faster than we previously would have."
The collected data will be used in building various AI models which can be used by the AI algorithm for classification or "labelling" as well as for navigation. If NASA are using a conventional CNN algorithm, this will be a significant drain on their elctricity supply.
BRN has been engaged with NASA for some years. It would be surprising if Victoria Da Poian were to be unaware of Akida. In particular NASA would have been aware of TeNNs for a couple of years.
The rover must navigate autonomously, and Akida has famously been found to enable an increase in cruising speed of such rovers due to its real time processing capabilities. The rover is said to have a range of several km.
While Akida has been radhardened by Vorago, there is nothing to suggest the Akida SoC is incorporated in the rover. Indeed, as you point out, time would be against this possibility ... but next time?
Sean Hehir recently acknowledged that BRN now has an additional product line for algorithms.
Rosalind is not due to be launched til 2028, so there is time to incorporate TeNNs/Akida 2 algorithms in the Mars rover. But who knows? It may already be there.
FN:
https://www.esa.int/Science_Explora...th_of_ESA_s_ExoMars_Rosalind_Franklin_mission
FAQ: The ‘rebirth’ of ESA’s ExoMars Rosalind Franklin mission
13/03/2023...
There is a plan to re-use in the new Lander the qualified onboard computer, the radar doppler altimeter and the parachute system that had been developed for the previous version of the mission.
...
This refers to the lander module, but the rover will also have a "qualified" processor which will not be readily replaced. However:
Any obsolescence of parts will be taken care of with appropriate refurbishments during the development of the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin Mission.
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