Pom down under
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Startups are being snapped up at record speed,
BRN Discussion Ongoing
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Startups are being snapped up at record speed,
Frangipani
Top 20
I wouldn’t be surprised if it turned out we’re also somehow connected to South Korean ASIC design house ASICLAND, whose engineers work closely with global partners, including TSMC and Arm.
The fact that both their CMO & Head of Overseas Sales and the company’s Global Strategy Manager “celebrated” this week’s LinkedIn post about our redesigned website with a clapping-hands emoji each is a little too much of a coincidence, don’t you think?
“ASICLAND is a leading design house specializing in application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) design, offering high-performance, low-power, and cost-optimized design services. As an official Value Chain Alliance (VCA) partner of TSMC—the world’s No.1 foundry—ASICLAND serves as a trusted bridge between customers and TSMC. We deliver full turnkey support, from architecture design to GDS delivery, across a wide range of industries including AI, automotive, IoT, and memory.”
www.linkedin.com
eng.asicland.com
In this context, I was wondering whether the undisclosed “Leading U.S. IDM Company” in yesterday’s press release
could by any chance be our licensee Renesas Electronics America, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo-headquartered Renesas Electronics Corporation, which in turn happens to be a global semiconductor player? Just a wild guess, though…
“▶ Strengthening automotive semiconductor design capabilities through collaboration with a global semiconductor client
(…) [2025-06-11] ASICLAND has signed a supply agreement with a leading U.S. integrated device manufacturer (IDM) to jointly target the global automotive semiconductor market.
(…) The U.S. semiconductor company involved is an IDM providing essential chip designs and power management solutions for automotive electronics systems, with active operations across various industrial sectors. Through this collaboration, ASICLAND will expand its technological foundation and expertise in automotive chip design.
(…) Meanwhile, ASICLAND is accelerating efforts to enter global markets by establishing an advanced R&D center in Hsinchu, Taiwan*. The company is actively securing cutting-edge design technologies for 3nm and 5nm process nodes as well as CoWos (Chip-on-Wafer-on-Substrate) packaging technologies.”
*Hsinchu Science Park is Taiwan’s Silicon Valley and home to about 500 high-tech companies, among them TSMC, UMC and MediaTek, as well as our partner Andes Technology.
www.linkedin.com
The fact that both their CMO & Head of Overseas Sales and the company’s Global Strategy Manager “celebrated” this week’s LinkedIn post about our redesigned website with a clapping-hands emoji each is a little too much of a coincidence, don’t you think?
“ASICLAND is a leading design house specializing in application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) design, offering high-performance, low-power, and cost-optimized design services. As an official Value Chain Alliance (VCA) partner of TSMC—the world’s No.1 foundry—ASICLAND serves as a trusted bridge between customers and TSMC. We deliver full turnkey support, from architecture design to GDS delivery, across a wide range of industries including AI, automotive, IoT, and memory.”
LinkedIn Login, Sign in | LinkedIn
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ASICLAND Co., Ltd
ASICLAND is Korea's only TSMC VCA Partner and an ARM ADP, representing a leading global ASIC design solution company.
eng.asicland.com
In this context, I was wondering whether the undisclosed “Leading U.S. IDM Company” in yesterday’s press release
could by any chance be our licensee Renesas Electronics America, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo-headquartered Renesas Electronics Corporation, which in turn happens to be a global semiconductor player? Just a wild guess, though…“▶ Strengthening automotive semiconductor design capabilities through collaboration with a global semiconductor client
(…) [2025-06-11] ASICLAND has signed a supply agreement with a leading U.S. integrated device manufacturer (IDM) to jointly target the global automotive semiconductor market.
(…) The U.S. semiconductor company involved is an IDM providing essential chip designs and power management solutions for automotive electronics systems, with active operations across various industrial sectors. Through this collaboration, ASICLAND will expand its technological foundation and expertise in automotive chip design.
(…) Meanwhile, ASICLAND is accelerating efforts to enter global markets by establishing an advanced R&D center in Hsinchu, Taiwan*. The company is actively securing cutting-edge design technologies for 3nm and 5nm process nodes as well as CoWos (Chip-on-Wafer-on-Substrate) packaging technologies.”
*Hsinchu Science Park is Taiwan’s Silicon Valley and home to about 500 high-tech companies, among them TSMC, UMC and MediaTek, as well as our partner Andes Technology.
ASICLAND partners with U.S. IDM for auto semiconductors | ASICLAND posted on the topic | LinkedIn
ASICLAND Hits the Gas in the Global Automotive Semiconductor Market⚙️ ⠀ ASICLAND has signed a semiconductor design supply agreement with a leading U.S. integrated device manufacturer (IDM), accelerating its entry into the global automotive market. ⠀ As the automotive semiconductor sector...
Pom down under
Top 20
I’ve always said it’s Brainchip that try’s to implement the NDA with customer when they can, just can’t work out why some and not the othersI wouldn’t be surprised if it turned out we’re also somehow connected to South Korean ASIC design house ASICLAND, whose engineers work closely with global partners, including TSMC and Arm.
The fact that both their CMO & Head of Overseas Sales and the company’s Global Strategy Manager “celebrated” this week’s LinkedIn post about our redesigned website with a clapping-hands emoji each is a little too much of a coincidence, don’t you think?
“ASICLAND is a leading design house specializing in application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) design, offering high-performance, low-power, and cost-optimized design services. As an official Value Chain Alliance (VCA) partner of TSMC—the world’s No.1 foundry—ASICLAND serves as a trusted bridge between customers and TSMC. We deliver full turnkey support, from architecture design to GDS delivery, across a wide range of industries including AI, automotive, IoT, and memory.”
View attachment 86920
View attachment 86922
View attachment 86935
LinkedIn Login, Sign in | LinkedIn
Login to LinkedIn to keep in touch with people you know, share ideas, and build your career.
View attachment 86930
ASICLAND Co., Ltd
ASICLAND is Korea's only TSMC VCA Partner and an ARM ADP, representing a leading global ASIC design solution company.
View attachment 86926 View attachment 86927 View attachment 86928 View attachment 86929
In this context, I was wondering whether the undisclosed “Leading U.S. IDM Company” in yesterday’s press release
“▶ Strengthening automotive semiconductor design capabilities through collaboration with a global semiconductor client
(…) [2025-06-11] ASICLAND has signed a supply agreement with a leading U.S. integrated device manufacturer (IDM) to jointly target the global automotive semiconductor market.
(…) The U.S. semiconductor company involved is an IDM providing essential chip designs and power management solutions for automotive electronics systems, with active operations across various industrial sectors. Through this collaboration, ASICLAND will expand its technological foundation and expertise in automotive chip design.
(…) Meanwhile, ASICLAND is accelerating efforts to enter global markets by establishing an advanced R&D center in Hsinchu, Taiwan*. The company is actively securing cutting-edge design technologies for 3nm and 5nm process nodes as well as CoWos (Chip-on-Wafer-on-Substrate) packaging technologies.”
*Hsinchu Science Park is Taiwan’s Silicon Valley and home to about 500 high-tech companies, among them TSMC, UMC and MediaTek, as well as our partner Andes Technology.
ASICLAND partners with U.S. IDM for auto semiconductors | ASICLAND posted on the topic | LinkedIn
ASICLAND Hits the Gas in the Global Automotive Semiconductor Market⚙️ ⠀ ASICLAND has signed a semiconductor design supply agreement with a leading U.S. integrated device manufacturer (IDM), accelerating its entry into the global automotive market. ⠀ As the automotive semiconductor sector...
View attachment 86936
View attachment 86932
perceptron
Regular
I just want to say that the new developer hub is a great addition. Awaiting the community, education and data sets portals to open which will provide us developers/data scientists a platform to discuss and experiment with Akida. My thoughts are this will become a valuable resource for discovery and learning. Who ever initiated this, well done.
#awe2025 #edgeai #akida #innovation | BrainChip
BrainChip exhibited at Augmented World Expo in Long Beach, CA this week. AWE is the world’s largest spatial computing event where over 5000 creators, developers, and solutions providers gathered to discuss the latest in Extended Reality (XR) including AI technologies that enable Augmented...
GazDix
Regular
Not sure about those tablecloths...View attachment 86966
#awe2025 #edgeai #akida #innovation | BrainChip
BrainChip exhibited at Augmented World Expo in Long Beach, CA this week. AWE is the world’s largest spatial computing event where over 5000 creators, developers, and solutions providers gathered to discuss the latest in Extended Reality (XR) including AI technologies that enable Augmented...
supersonic001
Regular
#awe2025 #edgeai #akida #innovation | BrainChip
BrainChip exhibited at Augmented World Expo in Long Beach, CA this week. AWE is the world’s largest spatial computing event where over 5000 creators, developers, and solutions providers gathered to discuss the latest in Extended Reality (XR) including AI technologies that enable Augmented...
Frangipani
Top 20
In this 29 April article about the Future of Neuromorphic AI in Electronic Warfare, Steven Harbour not only confirms a partnership between Parallax Advanced Research and Intel (no surprise here, as he already used to collaborate with them closely for years while at SwRI), but also one between Parallax Advanced Research and BrainChip:
Parallax Advanced Research and the Future of Neuromorphic Artificial Intelligence in Electronic Warfare
Published on
Apr 29, 2025
The convergence of artificial intelligence and defense technologies is poised to redefine the future of electronic warfare (EW). This shift, driven by third-generation AI techniques like spiking neural networks (SNN) and neuromorphic research, represents a critical step forward in equipping the U.S. military with innovative and adaptable solutions. We spoke with Dr. Steven Harbour, Parallax Advanced Research director of AI Hardware Research and a leading expert in neuromorphic research, to explore how his team is advancing AI capabilities and addressing emerging challenges in defense.
Parallax Advanced Research and Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) EW Team; left to right: Mr. Justin S. Tieman, Principal Engineer, SwRI; Mr. Keith G. Dufford, Senior Program Manager, SwRI; Mr. David A. Brown, Institute Engineer; and Director AI Hardware Research and Neuromorphic Center of Excellence, Parallax; Dr. Steven D. Harbour
Exploring AI’s Next Frontier
Traditional AI excels in tasks it has been trained on, demonstrating precision in recognizing familiar patterns and processing expected queries. However, Harbour highlights a significant limitation: AI's brittleness when confronted with the unexpected.
Humans, on the other hand, adapt to the unknown through cognitive problem-solving, a capability that AI systems must emulate to address future challenges effectively.
SNNs, inspired by the human brain’s functionality, offer a promising solution. Unlike traditional feedforward neural networks rooted in inferential statistics, SNNs excel in rapid decision-making under uncertainty, making them particularly suited for dynamic environments like electronic warfare.
Scaling Neuromorphic Systems
Parallax is at the forefront of advancing third-generation AI algorithms, partnering with Intel and Brainchip to develop scalable neuromorphic hardware.
In terms of deployment, neuromorphic processors can be integrated into existing electronic countermeasure (ECM) pods, widely used in both Air Force and Navy operations. These pods, which are part of strike packages including crewed and uncrewed aircraft, offer a clear pathway for fielding these advanced systems across the Department of Defense (DoD).
The Role of Partnerships in Shaping AI Research
Collaboration plays a pivotal role in advancing neuromorphic research. Parallax, headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, benefits from proximity to leading institutions like the University of Dayton and the University of Cincinnati. Harbour’s connections with researchers like Professors Dr. Tarek Taha, Dr. Chris Yakopcic, and Dr. Vijayan K. Asari University of Dayton and Dr. Kelly Cohen an Endowed Chair and Lab Director at the University of Cincinnati have led to innovative projects, including combining “fuzzy” logic with Neuromorphic SNNs to enhance AI decision-making.
Parallax’s independent research efforts are further bolstered by partnerships with institutions like Intel and Brainchip, ensuring access to cutting-edge neuromorphic technologies. These collaborations not only drive technological innovation but also foster a thriving research ecosystem essential for addressing the unique challenges of EW.
Evolving Applications in Defense Technologies
Over the next few years, an AFLCMC initiative will focus on developing and deploying third-generation AI algorithms on neuromorphic platforms. According to Harbour, the initiative aims to create “fieldable systems that can operate effectively in air, sea, land, and space environments.” This vision extends to supporting broader DoD efforts, including AFRL’s test facilities and ongoing collaboration with Southwest Research Institute.
The adaptability of these systems will be critical for countering emerging threats. Harbour envisions a future where AI-powered EW solutions can address the unknown, enhancing situation awareness and enabling rapid response in high-stakes scenarios.
AI and the Future of EW
As neuromorphic research progresses, its impact on EW solutions for the U.S. military is undeniable. From enhancing strike packages to integrating AI into naval, land, and space operations, the potential applications are vast. Harbour emphasizes the importance of continued innovation and collaboration:
Through its pioneering work in AI and defense technologies, Parallax is shaping a future where adaptability and innovation are the cornerstones of national security. By bridging the gap between academic research and practical deployment, the team is ensuring that the U.S. military remains at the cutting edge of electronic warfare capabilities.
###
About Parallax Advanced Research & The Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI)
Parallax is a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit research institute that tackles global challenges through strategic partnerships with government, industry, and academia. It accelerates innovation, addresses critical global issues, and develops groundbreaking ideas with its partners. With offices in Ohio and Virginia, Parallax aims to deliver new solutions and speed them to market. In 2023, Parallax and OAI formed a collaborative affiliation to drive innovation and technological advancements in Ohio and for the nation. OAI plays a pivotal role in advancing the aerospace industry in Ohio and the nation by fostering collaborations between universities, aerospace industries, and government organizations, and managing aerospace research, education, and workforce development projects.
Today, Parallax Advanced Research also posted on LinkedIn about “working with top partners like Intel, BrainChip, and Southwest Research Institute to build the next generation of adaptive, scalable defense systems”:
Parallax leads in neuromorphic AI for defense | Parallax Advanced Research posted on the topic | LinkedIn
🚀 Exploring the Future of AI in Electronic Warfare 🧠⚡ Parallax Advanced Research is breaking new ground in neuromorphic artificial intelligence, working with top partners like Intel, Brainchip, and Southwest Research Institute to build the next generation of adaptive, scalable defense systems...
View attachment 84011
In a recent article about the Future of Neuromorphic AI in Electronic Warfare, Steven Harbour from Parallax Advanced Research wrote that his company were “at the forefront of advancing third-generation AI algorithms, partnering with Intel and Brainchip to develop scalable neuromorphic hardware.”
But it is not only the use of NC in EW they are researching:
“Spiking neural networks are shaping the future of Arctic monitoring”.
A recent collaboration between Parallax Advanced Research, Ohio Aerospace Institute and the University of Dayton Vision Lab resulted in “the first-ever application of a Spiking U-Net architecture for pixelwise classification of Arctic imagery”.
“This innovation is crucial for Arctic missions, where satellite and UAV platforms must operate under extreme conditions with limited energy and bandwidth. By integrating spiking models into the traditionally dense U-Net architecture, our researchers have opened a new frontier in efficient, scalable, and real-time remote sensing.
(…) Accurate segmentation of open water, snow, and meltponds is critical for understanding and modeling Arctic climate dynamics. Meltponds, in particular, lower surface albedo and accelerate ice melt, creating a positive feedback loop that influences global sea-level rise. Monitoring these features in real-time supports navigation safety, wildlife conservation, satellite calibration, and, importantly, global climate models.
Our method enables onboard, low-power processing of Arctic imagery, paving the way for deployment on cubesats, long-endurance UAVs, and polar monitoring missions. This capability is essential for providing time-critical data that informs national and international policy efforts aimed at Arctic preservation and strategic environmental security.”
Replacing “standard convolutional neurons with Integrate-and-Fire (IF) and Leaky Integrate-and-Fire (LIF) neurons” suggests that future deployment of their model on neuromorphic hardware will involve Loihi, which is not surprising, given Steve Harbour’s long collaboration history with Intel during his years at Southwest Research Institute. He is one among a growing number of neuromorphic researchers who see merit in both Loihi and Akida.
"Energy-Efficient Arctic Remote Sensing with Spiking Neural Networks" | Parallax Advanced Research posted on the topic | LinkedIn
🌍 Pioneering Energy-Efficient Arctic Remote Sensing with Spiking Neural Networks ❄️🚀 We’re thrilled to share the groundbreaking work coming out of Parallax Advanced Research, Ohio Aerospace Institute, and the University of Dayton Vision Lab! Together, we’ve achieved a world first: applying a...
Pioneering Energy-Efficient Arctic Remote Sensing with Spiking Neural Networks
parallaxresearch.org
Pioneering Energy-Efficient Arctic Remote Sensing with Spiking Neural Networks
Published onMay 29, 2025
At Parallax Advanced Research and the Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI), we are committed to pushing the boundaries of basic and applied science in ways that transform future aerospace and defense capabilities. Our latest collaboration with the University of Dayton Vision Lab exemplifies this commitment, with a groundbreaking achievement: the first-ever application of a Spiking U-Net architecture for pixelwise classification of Arctic imagery.
Why Spiking Neural Networks for the Arctic?
Conventional deep learning models such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) have demonstrated high accuracy in image segmentation tasks. However, their compute-intensive nature and high energy demands make them ill-suited for resource-constrained environments like the Arctic. In contrast, spiking neural networks (SNNs) leverage sparse, event-driven computation inspired by biological neurons, drastically reducing power consumption while maintaining analytical precision.
Caption: Dr. Harbour, director of AI Hardware Research, Parallax Advanced Research Center of Excellence and Lead Parallax Research Scientist on this research project.
This innovation is crucial for Arctic missions, where satellite and UAV platforms must operate under extreme conditions with limited energy and bandwidth. By integrating spiking models into the traditionally dense U-Net architecture, our researchers have opened a new frontier in efficient, scalable, and real-time remote sensing.
Advancing Pixelwise Classification: The Spiking U-Net
Our Spiking U-Net preserves the U-Net's powerful encoder-decoder framework and critical skip connections for spatial precision. However, we replace standard convolutional neurons with Integrate-and-Fire (IF) and Leaky Integrate-and-Fire (LIF) neurons, enabling asynchronous, temporally aware processing. In this model, neurons accumulate input over time and "fire" once a threshold is met, mimicking biological synapses.This design not only cuts energy consumption dramatically but also enhances the model's robustness to the noisy and dynamic conditions characteristic of Arctic data. This marks the first time a U-Net has been successfully adapted into a fully spiking architecture for high-resolution environmental monitoring.
Climate Science and Strategic Monitoring
Accurate segmentation of open water, snow, and meltponds is critical for understanding and modeling Arctic climate dynamics. Meltponds, in particular, lower surface albedo and accelerate ice melt, creating a positive feedback loop that influences global sea-level rise. Monitoring these features in real-time supports navigation safety, wildlife conservation, satellite calibration, and, importantly, global climate models.Our method enables onboard, low-power processing of Arctic imagery, paving the way for deployment on cubesats, long-endurance UAVs, and polar monitoring missions. This capability is essential for providing time-critical data that informs national and international policy efforts aimed at Arctic preservation and strategic environmental security.
See Fig. 1. Melt ponds on the arctic sea ice by NASA:
- High-resolution imagery provides extensive spatial detail for pixel-wise analysis.
- An autonomous and energy efficient method for meltpond detection is useful for environmental monitoring.
- Would allow for timely calculations of important metrics such as the melting rate of meltponds.
- Additional information about open water and sea ice would be useful for climatic studies.
- Allows researchers to better track the overall activities in the Arctic region.
Fig. 1 Melt ponds on the arctic sea ice by NASA
See Fig. 2. Melt ponds on the arctic sea ice 1984 to 2016:
- Rapid climate change is drastically transforming polar environments.
- The Arctic is particularly sensitive, influencing global sea levels and ecosystems
- Melting of sea ice (formation of meltponds), marine life.
- Meltponds have lower albedo causing greater absorption of solar radiations.
- Results in positive feedback loop accelerating the rate of melting of sea ice.
- Accurate monitoring is crucial to track changes in vital classes (e.g., snow, meltponds, open water) and ecological shifts.
Fig. 2. Melt ponds on the arctic sea ice 1984 to 2016:
A Partnership Forging New Ground
The synergy between the University of Dayton's expertise in computer vision and Parallax/OAI’s strengths in neuromorphic and bio-inspired computation has been a cornerstone of this achievement. Together, we created an interdisciplinary ecosystem capable of pushing SNNs from theoretical constructs into operational remote sensing workflows, with clear implications for both defense and environmental research.This milestone also represents a historic first for the University of Dayton Vision Lab: the deployment of SNNs in practical, real-world imagery analysis.
Overcoming Technical Barriers
Transitioning traditional convolutional architectures to support time-sensitive spiking neurons presented significant challenges. We successfully addressed these by modifying the U-Net decoder to incorporate LIF/IF neurons and implementing careful training protocols using Norse within the PyTorch framework. These modifications ensured model stability and effective learning, even under the sparsity inherent to spike-based updates.
Looking Ahead
Building on this success, future research will extend our Spiking U-Net to:- Temporal sequences for dynamic meltpond evolution tracking.
- Multi-spectral data integration to enhance classification richness.
- Neuromorphic hardware deployment to validate real-world energy savings.
- Field deployment on Arctic UAVs and edge compute systems for in-situ monitoring.
###
About Parallax Advanced Research & The Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI)
Parallax is a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit research institute that tackles global challenges through strategic partnerships with government, industry, and academia. It accelerates innovation, addresses critical global issues, and develops groundbreaking ideas with its partners. With offices in Ohio and Virginia, Parallax aims to deliver new solutions and speed them to market. In 2023, Parallax and OAI formed a collaborative affiliation to drive innovation and technological advancements in Ohio and for the nation. OAI plays a pivotal role in advancing the aerospace industry in Ohio and the nation by fostering collaborations between universities, aerospace industries, and government organizations, and managing aerospace research, education, and workforce development projects.Tags
DaytonDefenseentrepreneurInnovationResearchSciencesmall business eventsstartupsState of OhioTechnologyUAS Industry
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White Horse
Regular
One thing I did notice, is that, our awareness is building rapidly.
We cracked 30,000 followers last night.
We cracked 30,000 followers last night.
JoMo68
Regular
Wise move to change to the wrinkled/pleated style…
He looks like he goes straight to the pub after work and stays until they close.In a recent article about the Future of Neuromorphic AI in Electronic Warfare, Steven Harbour from Parallax Advanced Research wrote that his company were “at the forefront of advancing third-generation AI algorithms, partnering with Intel and Brainchip to develop scalable neuromorphic hardware.”
But it is not only the use of NC in EW they are researching:
“Spiking neural networks are shaping the future of Arctic monitoring”.
A recent collaboration between Parallax Advanced Research, Ohio Aerospace Institute and the University of Dayton Vision Lab resulted in “the first-ever application of a Spiking U-Net architecture for pixelwise classification of Arctic imagery”.
“This innovation is crucial for Arctic missions, where satellite and UAV platforms must operate under extreme conditions with limited energy and bandwidth. By integrating spiking models into the traditionally dense U-Net architecture, our researchers have opened a new frontier in efficient, scalable, and real-time remote sensing.
(…) Accurate segmentation of open water, snow, and meltponds is critical for understanding and modeling Arctic climate dynamics. Meltponds, in particular, lower surface albedo and accelerate ice melt, creating a positive feedback loop that influences global sea-level rise. Monitoring these features in real-time supports navigation safety, wildlife conservation, satellite calibration, and, importantly, global climate models.
Our method enables onboard, low-power processing of Arctic imagery, paving the way for deployment on cubesats, long-endurance UAVs, and polar monitoring missions. This capability is essential for providing time-critical data that informs national and international policy efforts aimed at Arctic preservation and strategic environmental security.”
Replacing “standard convolutional neurons with Integrate-and-Fire (IF) and Leaky Integrate-and-Fire (LIF) neurons” suggests that future deployment of their model on neuromorphic hardware will involve Loihi, which is not surprising, given Steve Harbour’s long collaboration history with Intel during his years at Southwest Research Institute. He is one among a growing number of neuromorphic researchers who see merit in both Loihi and Akida.
"Energy-Efficient Arctic Remote Sensing with Spiking Neural Networks" | Parallax Advanced Research posted on the topic | LinkedIn
🌍 Pioneering Energy-Efficient Arctic Remote Sensing with Spiking Neural Networks ❄️🚀 We’re thrilled to share the groundbreaking work coming out of Parallax Advanced Research, Ohio Aerospace Institute, and the University of Dayton Vision Lab! Together, we’ve achieved a world first: applying a...
View attachment 86939
Pioneering Energy-Efficient Arctic Remote Sensing with Spiking Neural Networks
parallaxresearch.org
Pioneering Energy-Efficient Arctic Remote Sensing with Spiking Neural Networks
Published on
May 29, 2025
At Parallax Advanced Research and the Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI), we are committed to pushing the boundaries of basic and applied science in ways that transform future aerospace and defense capabilities. Our latest collaboration with the University of Dayton Vision Lab exemplifies this commitment, with a groundbreaking achievement: the first-ever application of a Spiking U-Net architecture for pixelwise classification of Arctic imagery.
Why Spiking Neural Networks for the Arctic?
Conventional deep learning models such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) have demonstrated high accuracy in image segmentation tasks. However, their compute-intensive nature and high energy demands make them ill-suited for resource-constrained environments like the Arctic. In contrast, spiking neural networks (SNNs) leverage sparse, event-driven computation inspired by biological neurons, drastically reducing power consumption while maintaining analytical precision.
Caption: Dr. Harbour, director of AI Hardware Research, Parallax Advanced Research Center of Excellence and Lead Parallax Research Scientist on this research project.
This innovation is crucial for Arctic missions, where satellite and UAV platforms must operate under extreme conditions with limited energy and bandwidth. By integrating spiking models into the traditionally dense U-Net architecture, our researchers have opened a new frontier in efficient, scalable, and real-time remote sensing.
Advancing Pixelwise Classification: The Spiking U-Net
Our Spiking U-Net preserves the U-Net's powerful encoder-decoder framework and critical skip connections for spatial precision. However, we replace standard convolutional neurons with Integrate-and-Fire (IF) and Leaky Integrate-and-Fire (LIF) neurons, enabling asynchronous, temporally aware processing. In this model, neurons accumulate input over time and "fire" once a threshold is met, mimicking biological synapses.
This design not only cuts energy consumption dramatically but also enhances the model's robustness to the noisy and dynamic conditions characteristic of Arctic data. This marks the first time a U-Net has been successfully adapted into a fully spiking architecture for high-resolution environmental monitoring.
Climate Science and Strategic Monitoring
Accurate segmentation of open water, snow, and meltponds is critical for understanding and modeling Arctic climate dynamics. Meltponds, in particular, lower surface albedo and accelerate ice melt, creating a positive feedback loop that influences global sea-level rise. Monitoring these features in real-time supports navigation safety, wildlife conservation, satellite calibration, and, importantly, global climate models.
Our method enables onboard, low-power processing of Arctic imagery, paving the way for deployment on cubesats, long-endurance UAVs, and polar monitoring missions. This capability is essential for providing time-critical data that informs national and international policy efforts aimed at Arctic preservation and strategic environmental security.
See Fig. 1. Melt ponds on the arctic sea ice by NASA:
- High-resolution imagery provides extensive spatial detail for pixel-wise analysis.
- An autonomous and energy efficient method for meltpond detection is useful for environmental monitoring.
- Would allow for timely calculations of important metrics such as the melting rate of meltponds.
- Additional information about open water and sea ice would be useful for climatic studies.
- Allows researchers to better track the overall activities in the Arctic region.
View attachment 86940
Fig. 1 Melt ponds on the arctic sea ice by NASA
See Fig. 2. Melt ponds on the arctic sea ice 1984 to 2016:
- Rapid climate change is drastically transforming polar environments.
- The Arctic is particularly sensitive, influencing global sea levels and ecosystems
- Melting of sea ice (formation of meltponds), marine life.
- Meltponds have lower albedo causing greater absorption of solar radiations.
- Results in positive feedback loop accelerating the rate of melting of sea ice.
- Accurate monitoring is crucial to track changes in vital classes (e.g., snow, meltponds, open water) and ecological shifts.
View attachment 86941
View attachment 86942
Fig. 2. Melt ponds on the arctic sea ice 1984 to 2016:
A Partnership Forging New Ground
The synergy between the University of Dayton's expertise in computer vision and Parallax/OAI’s strengths in neuromorphic and bio-inspired computation has been a cornerstone of this achievement. Together, we created an interdisciplinary ecosystem capable of pushing SNNs from theoretical constructs into operational remote sensing workflows, with clear implications for both defense and environmental research.
This milestone also represents a historic first for the University of Dayton Vision Lab: the deployment of SNNs in practical, real-world imagery analysis.
Overcoming Technical Barriers
Transitioning traditional convolutional architectures to support time-sensitive spiking neurons presented significant challenges. We successfully addressed these by modifying the U-Net decoder to incorporate LIF/IF neurons and implementing careful training protocols using Norse within the PyTorch framework. These modifications ensured model stability and effective learning, even under the sparsity inherent to spike-based updates.
Looking Ahead
Building on this success, future research will extend our Spiking U-Net to:
Parallax/OAI continue to lead innovations at the intersection of neuromorphic computing, remote sensing, and environmental security. We welcome collaboration with academic institutions, government agencies, and industry partners who share our vision for pioneering resilient, energy-efficient technologies that meet tomorrow's defense and aerospace challenges. To discuss partnership opportunities or learn more about our cutting-edge initiatives, please contact our research development team today.
- Temporal sequences for dynamic meltpond evolution tracking.
- Multi-spectral data integration to enhance classification richness.
- Neuromorphic hardware deployment to validate real-world energy savings.
- Field deployment on Arctic UAVs and edge compute systems for in-situ monitoring.
###
About Parallax Advanced Research & The Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI)
Parallax is a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit research institute that tackles global challenges through strategic partnerships with government, industry, and academia. It accelerates innovation, addresses critical global issues, and develops groundbreaking ideas with its partners. With offices in Ohio and Virginia, Parallax aims to deliver new solutions and speed them to market. In 2023, Parallax and OAI formed a collaborative affiliation to drive innovation and technological advancements in Ohio and for the nation. OAI plays a pivotal role in advancing the aerospace industry in Ohio and the nation by fostering collaborations between universities, aerospace industries, and government organizations, and managing aerospace research, education, and workforce development projects.
Tags
DaytonDefenseentrepreneurInnovationResearchSciencesmall business eventsstartupsState of OhioTechnologyUAS Industry
MORE TAGS
View attachment 86962
Pom down under
Top 20
I’m probably completely wrong, but I wonder if that 6 million in at 0.21 is LDA and it’s going to used by them to close some short positions out 
Bravo
If ARM was an arm, BRN would be its biceps💪!
I’m probably completely wrong, but I wonder if that 6 million in at 0.21 is LDA and it’s going to used by them to close some short positions out
Source please
Pom down under
Top 20
Source please
Bravo
If ARM was an arm, BRN would be its biceps💪!
On a slightly more serious note, take a look at these recent articles on TSMC’s concept AR glasses. Then ask yourself: is it really just a coincidence that we’ve now confirmed a collaboration with Yu-Hsin Layout Technology - a company that happens to count TSMC as one of its major clients?
One of the standout features of these AR glasses is an ultra-low-power processor, which, of course, just happens to be right in Akida/Pico’s wheelhouse.
Now, while these articles only discuss TSMC’s concept glasses for now, if they ever move to production, it would effectively place us toe-to-toe with Qualcomm in the smart glasses arena (assuming they incorporate our technology).
And let’s be honest - if battery life becomes the battleground, we’re not exactly walking in unarmed.
semiengineering.com
tspasemiconductor.substack.com
One of the standout features of these AR glasses is an ultra-low-power processor, which, of course, just happens to be right in Akida/Pico’s wheelhouse.
Now, while these articles only discuss TSMC’s concept glasses for now, if they ever move to production, it would effectively place us toe-to-toe with Qualcomm in the smart glasses arena (assuming they incorporate our technology).
And let’s be honest - if battery life becomes the battleground, we’re not exactly walking in unarmed.
AR/VR Glasses Taking Shape With New Chips
Smart glasses with augmented reality functions look more natural than VR goggles, but today they are heavily reliant on a phone for compute and next-gen communication.
semiengineering.com
The Future of Smart Glasses: Why Cameras Matter and How to Address Privacy Concerns
Original Article by SemiVision Research
tspasemiconductor.substack.com
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Pom down under
Top 20
The below quotes are from a scientific study titled:
" The diffusion of wearable smart devices could be one of the main means through which AI could serve patients directly. It is indeed possible to imagine that there will be devices able to analyse internal and external factors and warn patients about an imminent migraine attack. Furthermore, if such AI-based technology could reliably detect the prodromal phase of the migraine cycle (i.e., up to 48 h before the pain starts [65]), the patient could carry out some behavioural approach (e.g., regulate sleep) to disrupt the attack." My bold above.
"The Clinical Relevance of Artificial Intelligence in Migraine"
" The arrival of AI in the scientific world entailed nearly infinite clinical applications, both for patients and clinicians. In the first place, it would be possible to establish a correct diagnosis of migraine and to exclude, with a certain degree of certainty, other causes of headaches through an AI-based interactive questionnaire. In such a way, GPs or non-headache specialists would be supported in their work, while the patients would receive an early diagnosis and treatment, avoiding pain and exposure to unnecessary medications."" The diffusion of wearable smart devices could be one of the main means through which AI could serve patients directly. It is indeed possible to imagine that there will be devices able to analyse internal and external factors and warn patients about an imminent migraine attack. Furthermore, if such AI-based technology could reliably detect the prodromal phase of the migraine cycle (i.e., up to 48 h before the pain starts [65]), the patient could carry out some behavioural approach (e.g., regulate sleep) to disrupt the attack." My bold above.
DingoBorat
Slim
That stood out to me too @Thebask27 and @White Horse
An excerpt from some book about tipping points..
"The tipping point is that magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire. Just as a single sick person can start an epidemic of the flu....."
So the spread of the feverish "BrainChip Flu" will now begin to accelerate and no MFA vaccines (Motley Fool Articles) will be able to stop it.
"Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose Time has come"
Attributed to Victor Hugo
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