BRN Discussion Ongoing

[Deadpool]

Looks like we have some more competition on the horizon...3 years away though, so time is on our side.

US Air Force wants to develop smarter mini-drones powered by brain-inspired AI chips​

Published 14 hours ago
Plans are underway to create new AI-powered drones that can fly for much longer than current designs.

Although neuromorphic computing was first proposed by scientist Carver Mead in the late 1980s, it is a field of computer design theory that is still in development.

Scientists are developing an artificial intelligence (AI) chip the size of a grain of rice that can mimic human brains — and they plan to use it in miniature drones.

Although AI can automate monotonous functions, it is resource-intensive and requires large amounts of energy to operate. Drones also require energy for propulsion, navigation, sensing, stabilization and communication.

Larger drones can better compensate for AI's energy demands by using an engine, but smaller drones rely on battery power — meaning AI energy demands can reduce flying time from 45 minutes to just four.
But this may not be a problem forever., Suin Yi and his team at the University of Texas have been awarded funding by the 2025 Air Force Office of Scientific Research Young Investigator Program (part of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research) to develop an energy-efficient AI for drones. Their goal is to build a chip the size of a grain of rice with various AI capabilities — including autonomous piloting and object recognition — within three years.

AI-powered miniature drones​

To build a more energy-efficient AI chip, the scientists propose using conducting polymer thin films. These are (so far) an underused aspect of neuromorphic computing; this is a computer system that mimics the brain’s structure to enable highly efficient information processing.

The researchers intend to replicate how neurons learn and make decisions, thereby saving energy by only being used when required, similar to how a human brain uses different parts for different functions.
Although neuromorphic computing was first proposed by scientist Carver Mead in the late 1980s, it is a field of computer design theory that is still in development. In 2024, Intel unveiled their Hala Point neuromorphic computer, which is powered by more than 1,000 new AI chips and performs 50 times faster than conventional computing systems.

Meanwhile, the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center develops AI software and neuromorphic hardware. Their particular focus is on developing systems for sharing all sensor information with every member of a network of neuromorphic-enabled units. This technology could allow for greater situational awareness, with applications so far including headsets and robotics.
Using technology developed through this research, drones could become more intelligent by integrating conducting polymer material systems that can function like neurons in a brain.
If Yi’s research project is successful, miniature drones could become increasingly intelligent. An AI system using neuromorphic computing could allow smaller and smarter automated drones to be developed to provide remote monitoring in confined locations, with a much longer flying time.

US Air Force wants to develop smarter mini-drones powered by brain-inspired AI chips

Plans are underway to create new AI-powered drones that can fly for much longer than current designs.

www.livescience.com

Isn't this where Pico comes into the fold?

 

[manny100]

It would be nice to know what their targets were in the 5 year plan.

We are putting 5 years of faith into them without knowing if we are on track.

Yes, obviously an internal document that they do not want to release maybe to avoid microscopic scrutiny?
The ecosystem stage of development, tech advances, the significant increase in client events of late and the news about bookings and engagements at the AGM implies we are on track.
Full commercial ann Jan'22.
The BODs primary duty is to the entity.
If they were not on track with the 5 year plan they would have/should have taken remedial action.
If client activity continues to accelerate this year then that will give comfort.

 

[Jacob Kiraz]

It would be nice to know what their targets were in the 5 year plan.

We are putting 5 years of faith into them without knowing if we are on track.

100% correct,
I am selling no I'm not,however the next 12 to 18 months will determine the real truth in and around our product and company,
Deals need to be established if our roadmap has now put us in the race to compete now and in the future,
I've heard alot of spin it's now time to deliver

 

[IloveLamp]

Intel is undergoing a culture shift - and the priority is earning back customer trust. | Intel Foundry

Intel is undergoing a culture shift - and the priority is earning back customer trust. "We want to make sure customers are winning with us. We want to listen." More from Intel Foundry Tech and Manufacturing Head Naga Chandrasekaran at #DirectConnect 2025 👇 https://intel.ly/3Z05ZJl...

www.linkedin.com

 

[7für7]

Looks like we have some more competition on the horizon...3 years away though, so time is on our side.

US Air Force wants to develop smarter mini-drones powered by brain-inspired AI chips​

Published 14 hours ago
Plans are underway to create new AI-powered drones that can fly for much longer than current designs.

Although neuromorphic computing was first proposed by scientist Carver Mead in the late 1980s, it is a field of computer design theory that is still in development.

Scientists are developing an artificial intelligence (AI) chip the size of a grain of rice that can mimic human brains — and they plan to use it in miniature drones.

Although AI can automate monotonous functions, it is resource-intensive and requires large amounts of energy to operate. Drones also require energy for propulsion, navigation, sensing, stabilization and communication.

Larger drones can better compensate for AI's energy demands by using an engine, but smaller drones rely on battery power — meaning AI energy demands can reduce flying time from 45 minutes to just four.
But this may not be a problem forever., Suin Yi and his team at the University of Texas have been awarded funding by the 2025 Air Force Office of Scientific Research Young Investigator Program (part of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research) to develop an energy-efficient AI for drones. Their goal is to build a chip the size of a grain of rice with various AI capabilities — including autonomous piloting and object recognition — within three years.

AI-powered miniature drones​

To build a more energy-efficient AI chip, the scientists propose using conducting polymer thin films. These are (so far) an underused aspect of neuromorphic computing; this is a computer system that mimics the brain’s structure to enable highly efficient information processing.

The researchers intend to replicate how neurons learn and make decisions, thereby saving energy by only being used when required, similar to how a human brain uses different parts for different functions.
Although neuromorphic computing was first proposed by scientist Carver Mead in the late 1980s, it is a field of computer design theory that is still in development. In 2024, Intel unveiled their Hala Point neuromorphic computer, which is powered by more than 1,000 new AI chips and performs 50 times faster than conventional computing systems.

Meanwhile, the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center develops AI software and neuromorphic hardware. Their particular focus is on developing systems for sharing all sensor information with every member of a network of neuromorphic-enabled units. This technology could allow for greater situational awareness, with applications so far including headsets and robotics.
Using technology developed through this research, drones could become more intelligent by integrating conducting polymer material systems that can function like neurons in a brain.
If Yi’s research project is successful, miniature drones could become increasingly intelligent. An AI system using neuromorphic computing could allow smaller and smarter automated drones to be developed to provide remote monitoring in confined locations, with a much longer flying time.

US Air Force wants to develop smarter mini-drones powered by brain-inspired AI chips

Plans are underway to create new AI-powered drones that can fly for much longer than current designs.

www.livescience.com

-“OK… THIS IS THE SITUATION… WE HAVE BRAINCHIPS AKIDA..NEUROMORPHIC CHIP MIMICKING THE HUMAN BRAIN!! SERGEANT…..CAN WE DO IT SMALLER?? SOMETHING LIKE A GRAIN OF SAND?”

-“NO SIR SIR NO! MORE LIKE A GRAIN OF RICE SIR”

-“WHEN WILL WE SEE FIRST RESULTS?”

-“SIR, BRAINCHIP IS THREE YEARS AHEAD… WITH MY TEAM WE CAN DO IT IN 1 AND 1/2 YEARS SIR!”

-“I GIVE YOU 6 MONTHS”

-“SIR THANK YOU SIR”

 

[Bravo]

Intel is undergoing a culture shift - and the priority is earning back customer trust. | Intel Foundry

Intel is undergoing a culture shift - and the priority is earning back customer trust. "We want to make sure customers are winning with us. We want to listen." More from Intel Foundry Tech and Manufacturing Head Naga Chandrasekaran at #DirectConnect 2025 👇 https://intel.ly/3Z05ZJl...

www.linkedin.com

View attachment 83944

Interesting @IloveLamp.

By the way, I thought it was likely to have been Intel that Sean was referring to as being the multinational company that was considering licensing Akida but had to pull back due to various factors, including challenges and market conditions in the last 12 months, such as its stock falling 60%.

It's the 60% that caught my ear, since Intel's stock did indeed experience a significant decline in 2024, dropping approximately 60% over the course of the year. Just a mere coincidence? Methinks not.

 

[IloveLamp]

Interesting @IloveLamp.

By the way, I thought it was likely to have been Intel that Sean was referring to as being the multinational company that was considering licensing Akida but had to pull back due to various factors, including challenges and market conditions, such as its stock falling 60%.

It's the 60% that caught my ear, since Intel's stock did indeed experience a significant decline in 2024, dropping approximately 60% over the course of the year. Just a mere coincidence? Methinks not.

You could be right bravo, obviously there is still a relationship there of some kind.

Any relationship with intel is a good one imo, despite their recent struggles, they will forge ahead no doubt and hopefully take us with them...

 

[Bravo]

Isn't this where Pico comes into the fold?

Hi @Deadpool,

Both the Air Force's prospective chip and the Akida Pico prioritize low power consumption to extend operational time in small drones.

Whereas Pico is tailored for applications like speech, audio processing and vital sign monitoring, the Air Force's chip is expected to handle more complex tasks such as autonomous navigation and real-time decision-making in dynamic environments, as well as being teeny-weeny!

The Air Force's chip is still in the research and development phase, so whether it ever succeeds in becoming a commercially available solution remains to be seen.

Obviously Pico is commercially available and can be integrated into various devices, including these drones hopefully, if the "grain-of-rice-sized" chip fails for whever reason, I suppose?

 

[Deadpool]

Nice headline.

BrainChip Eyes Edge AI Market Dominance - Sharecafe

BrainChip Holdings Ltd (ASX:BRN) is strategically positioning itself to become a dominant force in the Edge AI market. At the Annual General Meeting, Chairman Antonio Viana and CEO Sean Hehir outlined the company's ambitious plans for 2025 and beyond, emphasizing a robust product roadmap...

www.sharecafe.com.au

 

[Mccabe84]

What's with the share price? It's now green and almost double the number of buyers as sellers

 

[Cardpro]

No revenue in 25, highly unlikely said by Sean

I thought he was referring to royalties not revenue

 

[Cardpro]

What's with the share price? It's now green and almost double the number of buyers as sellers

Well we were nearly hitting 30c but fall to 20c in a few days... so..

 

[White Horse]

Hi @Deadpool,

Both the Air Force's prospective chip and the Akida Pico prioritize low power consumption to extend operational time in small drones.

Whereas Pico is tailored for applications like speech, audio processing and vital sign monitoring, the Air Force's chip is expected to handle more complex tasks such as autonomous navigation and real-time decision-making in dynamic environments, as well as being teeny-weeny!

The Air Force's chip is still in the research and development phase, so whether it ever succeeds in becoming a commercially available solution remains to be seen.

Obviously Pico is commercially available and can be integrated into various devices, including these drones hopefully, if the "grain-of-rice-sized" chip fails for whever reason, I suppose?

Hi Bravo,
We can probably achieve the same thing as Uni of Texas, and probably quicker.
Just reduce our 28nm chip to 2 or 3nm.
It would raise costs considerably because of the process, but they will have the same costs.
We can already do the rest, as has been proved by Bascom Hunter.
When you look at what we can do, they are wasting their time.

 

[DaBenjamins]

No one asked that’s why.

With the commentary regarding this last 5 months being the best period for lead generation in the companies history. Its a great story. I'd like to think this translates to the company has needed to put on new staff to cover the number of inbound queries, and not the other option which is replacing or backfilling staff who have left.

 

[mcm]

As a matter of interest ... does anyone know anything about Nanoveu?

Looking at their presentation released today it sure seems to be competition for Akida

https://wcsecure.weblink.com.au/pdf/NVU/02944061.pdf

The following was posted on the crapper this morning. NVU certainly managed to secure the services of a top level CEO ... who also put in $350,000 to participate in the company's recent CR.

"Mark Goranson's CV is extraordinary. Just look at the MC's of the companies he held senior positions with prior to accepting the CEO position at NVU ... huge!

o TE Connectivity (NYSE: US$46.17B Market Cap1): Most recently, Mark served as Vice President of Global Operations for the Sensors Division, managing worldwide sensor operations of wafer fab, silicon foundry and assembly test operations producing a multitude of different sensor technologies and semiconductor sense elements.
o ON Semiconductor (NASDAQ: US$23.21B Market Cap2): Senior Vice President of Global Operations, where he managed worldwide wafer fab, silicon foundry and assembly test operations for producing analog mixed signal ASICs, discretes and numerous other semiconductors.
o Freescale Semiconductor (NYSE: US$11.37B Market Cap3): As Vice President of Fab Operations, Mark directed operations across six facilities worldwide, leading 4,800 team members in production of analog, microprocessors, microcontrollers, and semiconductors
o Intel Corporation (NASDAQ: US$89.84B Market Cap4): Mark previously held numerous roles at Intel over a period of 18-years, where he built state-of-the-art wafer fabrication and assembly/test facilities across the globe which allowed Intel to meet soaring global demand.

The fact Mark chose to head-up NVU with it's tiny MC of only around $27M (and that's AUD not USD) and even throw in $350,000 of his own money to buy shares in the recent CR is all I need to know that he very much likes what he sees in Emass and that there is only one way for the SP to go from here! What do they say? ... follow the smart money! Anyone hoping to buy NVU cheaper going forward might end up being extremely disappointed."

Hey Bravo ... could you perhaps ask Chat GPT for an analysis between the two?

 

[Bravo]

As a matter of interest ... does anyone know anything about Nanoveu?

Looking at their presentation released today it sure seems to be competition for Akida

https://wcsecure.weblink.com.au/pdf/NVU/02944061.pdf

The following was posted on the crapper this morning. NVU certainly managed to secure the services of a top level CEO ... who also put in $350,000 to participate in the company's recent CR.

"Mark Goranson's CV is extraordinary. Just look at the MC's of the companies he held senior positions with prior to accepting the CEO position at NVU ... huge!

o TE Connectivity (NYSE: US$46.17B Market Cap1): Most recently, Mark served as Vice President of Global Operations for the Sensors Division, managing worldwide sensor operations of wafer fab, silicon foundry and assembly test operations producing a multitude of different sensor technologies and semiconductor sense elements.
o ON Semiconductor (NASDAQ: US$23.21B Market Cap2): Senior Vice President of Global Operations, where he managed worldwide wafer fab, silicon foundry and assembly test operations for producing analog mixed signal ASICs, discretes and numerous other semiconductors.
o Freescale Semiconductor (NYSE: US$11.37B Market Cap3): As Vice President of Fab Operations, Mark directed operations across six facilities worldwide, leading 4,800 team members in production of analog, microprocessors, microcontrollers, and semiconductors
o Intel Corporation (NASDAQ: US$89.84B Market Cap4): Mark previously held numerous roles at Intel over a period of 18-years, where he built state-of-the-art wafer fabrication and assembly/test facilities across the globe which allowed Intel to meet soaring global demand.

The fact Mark chose to head-up NVU with it's tiny MC of only around $27M (and that's AUD not USD) and even throw in $350,000 of his own money to buy shares in the recent CR is all I need to know that he very much likes what he sees in Emass and that there is only one way for the SP to go from here! What do they say? ... follow the smart money! Anyone hoping to buy NVU cheaper going forward might end up being extremely disappointed."

Hey Bravo ... could you perhaps ask Chat GPT for an analysis between the two?

No worries @mcm!

Here's Chatgpt's reponse.

Nanoveu has collaborated with Weebit Nano through its acquisition of Embedded AI Systems (EMASS).

In March 2025, Weebit Nano and EMASS announced a collaboration to integrate Weebit's Resistive RAM (ReRAM) technology into EMASS's ultra-low-power AI system-on-chip (SoC) at a 22nm process node. This integration aims to enhance energy efficiency, reduce power consumption, and enable instant system wake-up for AI-driven applications, thereby unlocking new capabilities in edge computing.

Nanoveu, having acquired EMASS, is directly involved in this collaboration. The combined solution of Weebit's ReRAM and EMASS's AI SoC is designed to deliver unprecedented performance and efficiency for smart edge-enabled devices.

This partnership was showcased at the Embedded World 2025 Conference & Exhibition, where a live demonstration highlighted the advantages of ReRAM-powered edge AI computing.

In summary, through its acquisition of EMASS, Nanoveu is actively collaborating with Weebit Nano to develop advanced, energy-efficient AI solutions for edge computing applications.


At this stage, Nanoveu is not yet a threatening competitor to BrainChip, but it is emerging as a potentially relevant player in the ultra-low-power edge AI space — especially with its acquisition of Embedded AI Systems (EMASS) and subsequent collaboration with Weebit Nano.

Here’s a breakdown of how they compare and whether Nanoveu poses a strategic threat to BrainChip:

---

Nanoveu vs BrainChip – Comparative Analysis​

Aspect	Nanoveu (via EMASS + Weebit)	BrainChip (Akida)
Core Technology	AI SoC integrating ultra-low power MCUs + Weebit ReRAM	Neuromorphic AI (event-based spiking neural networks)
Learning Capability	Inference-only (currently); no native on-chip learning	Supports on-chip learning and personalization
Memory Innovation	ReRAM – low-power, non-volatile, embedded memory	Internal memory for event-based processing
Power Efficiency	Extremely low due to ReRAM and architecture design	Among the lowest in market for intelligent compute
Commercial Readiness	Early-stage, proof-of-concept at Embedded World 2025	Commercially shipping (Akida 1000, Akida Pico)
Target Markets	Edge AI: Smart IoT, sensors, wearables	Broader: IoT, automotive, defense, robotics
AI Model Complexity	Likely limited to small-scale ML models (e.g. keyword spotting)	Handles more complex SNN and CNN pipelines
IP Maturity / Ecosystem	Very early development phase	Mature SDK, global patents, AI ecosystem partnerships

 

[mcm]

No worries @mcm!

Here's Chatgpt's reponse.

Nanoveu has collaborated with Weebit Nano through its acquisition of Embedded AI Systems (EMASS).

In March 2025, Weebit Nano and EMASS announced a collaboration to integrate Weebit's Resistive RAM (ReRAM) technology into EMASS's ultra-low-power AI system-on-chip (SoC) at a 22nm process node. This integration aims to enhance energy efficiency, reduce power consumption, and enable instant system wake-up for AI-driven applications, thereby unlocking new capabilities in edge computing.

Nanoveu, having acquired EMASS, is directly involved in this collaboration. The combined solution of Weebit's ReRAM and EMASS's AI SoC is designed to deliver unprecedented performance and efficiency for smart edge-enabled devices.

This partnership was showcased at the Embedded World 2025 Conference & Exhibition, where a live demonstration highlighted the advantages of ReRAM-powered edge AI computing.

In summary, through its acquisition of EMASS, Nanoveu is actively collaborating with Weebit Nano to develop advanced, energy-efficient AI solutions for edge computing applications.


At this stage, Nanoveu is not yet a threatening competitor to BrainChip, but it is emerging as a potentially relevant player in the ultra-low-power edge AI space — especially with its acquisition of Embedded AI Systems (EMASS) and subsequent collaboration with Weebit Nano.

Here’s a breakdown of how they compare and whether Nanoveu poses a strategic threat to BrainChip:

---

Nanoveu vs BrainChip – Comparative Analysis​

Aspect	Nanoveu (via EMASS + Weebit)	BrainChip (Akida)
Core Technology	AI SoC integrating ultra-low power MCUs + Weebit ReRAM	Neuromorphic AI (event-based spiking neural networks)
Learning Capability	Inference-only (currently); no native on-chip learning	Supports on-chip learning and personalization
Memory Innovation	ReRAM – low-power, non-volatile, embedded memory	Internal memory for event-based processing
Power Efficiency	Extremely low due to ReRAM and architecture design	Among the lowest in market for intelligent compute
Commercial Readiness	Early-stage, proof-of-concept at Embedded World 2025	Commercially shipping (Akida 1000, Akida Pico)
Target Markets	Edge AI: Smart IoT, sensors, wearables	Broader: IoT, automotive, defense, robotics
AI Model Complexity	Likely limited to small-scale ML models (e.g. keyword spotting)	Handles more complex SNN and CNN pipelines
IP Maturity / Ecosystem	Very early development phase	Mature SDK, global patents, AI ecosystem partnerships

Thanks so much Bravo!

Sure seems Akida is way more sophisticated however Nanovue might be competition for the simpler applications. I checked on their collaboration with Weebit ... it was a demo involving hand gestures recognition. See below excerpt from WBT recent quarterly report:

Live demonstration of ReRAM and edge AI at Embedded World

At the Embedded World Conference & Exhibition in Germany in March, Nanoveu’s (ASX: NVU) EMASS, a provider

of ultra-low-power AI computing, demonstrated their gesture recognition chip working with Weebit ReRAM.

The combination of Weebit ReRAM with EMASS’ ultra-low power AI system-on-a-chip (SoC), both at a 22nm

process node, enhances energy efficiency, reduces power consumption, and enables cost effective edge AI

 

[Jacob Kiraz]

Thanks so much Bravo!

Sure seems Akida is way more sophisticated however Nanovue might be competition for the simpler applications. I checked on their collaboration with Weebit ... it was a demo involving hand gestures recognition. See below excerpt from WBT recent quarterly report:

Live demonstration of ReRAM and edge AI at Embedded World

At the Embedded World Conference & Exhibition in Germany in March, Nanoveu’s (ASX: NVU) EMASS, a provider

of ultra-low-power AI computing, demonstrated their gesture recognition chip working with Weebit ReRAM.

The combination of Weebit ReRAM with EMASS’ ultra-low power AI system-on-a-chip (SoC), both at a 22nm

process node, enhances energy efficiency, reduces power consumption, and enables cost effective edge AI

I love this competition thread , We have no runs on the board until we get IP'S and Revenue

 

[Rskiff]

As a matter of interest ... does anyone know anything about Nanoveu?

Looking at their presentation released today it sure seems to be competition for Akida

https://wcsecure.weblink.com.au/pdf/NVU/02944061.pdf

The following was posted on the crapper this morning. NVU certainly managed to secure the services of a top level CEO ... who also put in $350,000 to participate in the company's recent CR.

"Mark Goranson's CV is extraordinary. Just look at the MC's of the companies he held senior positions with prior to accepting the CEO position at NVU ... huge!

o TE Connectivity (NYSE: US$46.17B Market Cap1): Most recently, Mark served as Vice President of Global Operations for the Sensors Division, managing worldwide sensor operations of wafer fab, silicon foundry and assembly test operations producing a multitude of different sensor technologies and semiconductor sense elements.
o ON Semiconductor (NASDAQ: US$23.21B Market Cap2): Senior Vice President of Global Operations, where he managed worldwide wafer fab, silicon foundry and assembly test operations for producing analog mixed signal ASICs, discretes and numerous other semiconductors.
o Freescale Semiconductor (NYSE: US$11.37B Market Cap3): As Vice President of Fab Operations, Mark directed operations across six facilities worldwide, leading 4,800 team members in production of analog, microprocessors, microcontrollers, and semiconductors
o Intel Corporation (NASDAQ: US$89.84B Market Cap4): Mark previously held numerous roles at Intel over a period of 18-years, where he built state-of-the-art wafer fabrication and assembly/test facilities across the globe which allowed Intel to meet soaring global demand.

The fact Mark chose to head-up NVU with it's tiny MC of only around $27M (and that's AUD not USD) and even throw in $350,000 of his own money to buy shares in the recent CR is all I need to know that he very much likes what he sees in Emass and that there is only one way for the SP to go from here! What do they say? ... follow the smart money! Anyone hoping to buy NVU cheaper going forward might end up being extremely disappointed."

Hey Bravo ... could you perhaps ask Chat GPT for an analysis between the twnce it

When a top level executive puts there own $$ in, then it shows how confident they are with the company's outlook. I only wish our top brass showed the same confidence by doing the same. Imagine what message that would send and I bet the share price wouldn't be this low now. imo

 

[supersonic001]

@supersonic001 The 9 mil bookings was in their sights this year. I raised the question on royalties coming in this year and that's when they said the wish washy response but I didn't inc chip sales in my question. The 9 mi bookings is something that I feel is on the cards before end of 2025.

That was my take.

Has good chats with the board on a general level and the roadmap was pleasing to see.

thx @MDhere yep understood, think we're on same page, i'm merely aiming to clearly distinguish between "bookings" and ultimate revenue/royalties (same same i would think)

Yes $9mil booking/pre-commit was clearly this year as stated .... ! got it !

What's interesting is how this is linked to Sean's bonus/whatever incentive you call it, and how this is pro rata'd based on partial $9m, or totally zero bookings this year, and further, is it linked to a delvierable date for incoming revenue, again pro rata based on 26', 27' or.......

SSC Out !