Nice to see BAE across the benefits of neuromorphic. Thoughts by their Chief Technologist at #2 for neuromorphic & quantum.
2025: Our top five emerging tech predictions
Experts take a close look at the rise of AI-generated threats; neuromorphic and quantum computing; situational awareness in multi-domain environments; CEMA dominance across the connected battlespace and the role of space-derived intelligence
Neuromorphic and quantum tech to bring real-world benefits
Rob Wythe, Chief Technologist
Neuromorphic vs. quantum computing
When it’s mature enough to be applied to real-world problems, quantum computing will be a game changer. But this reality is years away.
In the shorter term, there is another form of high-performance computing we should be looking at: neuromorphic computing.
This is an alternative approach to computer architectures that tries to mimic how the brain works and is currently closer to practical application than quantum computing. One key application of this is for Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs), which are different from the neural networks we use today in most AI. Instead of processing information in a steady flow, like current AI models, SNNs send information in short bursts, or “spikes,” similar to how neurons in the brain communicate. This method is more energy efficient as it only works when there’s something to process. It’s also more powerful because it can handle the timing of signals, in terms of when they arrive and how that varies, making them closer to how real brains work. This leads to new abilities, like organising themselves into patterns that make their decisions easier to understand—a big improvement over current AI, which can be a “black box” and hard to explain.
Neuromorphic computing will become increasingly important in 2025 and beyond, particularly as AI demands more from computing than ever before. An area in which neuromorphic technology will play a key role is the ability to use AI at the edge – environments which don’t have supercomputers to run large language models.
Neuromorphic chips can provide an answer here, by delivering a low power and highly constrained weight, size, power and cost environment.
Quantum and neuromorphic computer architectures have different strengths that make them more or less suitable for certain applications. Ultimately a hybrid architecture, just like conventional computers which use dedicated graphics processors, is likely to provide the best long term solution.
Quantum sensing
While quantum computing is a way off from practical implementation, the testing and development of quantum sensing is racing ahead. In 2025, this technology will become increasingly mature, especially in its ability to enhance Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT).
GPS jamming and spoofing presents a real-world threat, meaning the need to futureproof and enhance the resilience of PNT systems is vital. Quantum sensors have the potential to overcome recognised weaknesses in these systems by enabling us to calculate the position of aircraft without fully depending on satellite signals. For defence operations, this is important for a number of reasons. It ensures accurate navigation even in GPS-denied environments, significantly reduces risk to personnel and enhances mission readiness.
With the
UK Government announcing its first test flight of quantum-based navigation systems,
supported by BAE Systems, this technology is far from just a concept. As threats to society advance and become more complex on all fronts, quantum sensing can help keep vital infrastructure running, national security protected, and armed forces prepared.
www.eenewseurope.com
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