Researchers at the University of Limerick (UL) have made a remarkable discovery that has the potential to significantly change the future of computing. Scientists at UL’s Bernal Institute have created new compounds that function at the molecular level, and can be used to store and process data. This innovation is part of a wider worldwide project aimed at revolutionizing AI hardware platforms, allowing for quicker computational speeds and greater energy efficiency.
The study was directed by Professor Damien Thompson, head of Molecular Modeling at UL and director of SSPC, together with experts from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Texas A&M University. The scientists created molecules that replicate brain-like behavior, establishing distinct memory states as they pass through a crystal lattice. These molecular snapshots can be utilized to store and process data, outperforming traditional silicon-based computers in terms of energy consumption and space efficiency.
The researchers achieved major breakthroughs in the field of neuromorphic computing, which improves performance by replicating the neurological circuits of the human brain. While neuromorphic platforms are promising, they were previously limited to low-accuracy applications such as basic neural network inference. However, the new molecular design provides the precision required for complicated tasks like signal processing and natural language processing.
The new technology achieves an amazing energy efficiency of 4.1 trillion operations per watt, making it suitable for applications that were previously impossible. The researchers anticipate this technology changing a variety of industries, ranging from data centers to AI-powered applications in online gaming and digital mapping.
Furthermore, the global team is working to extend the platform’s capabilities by incorporating these systems into everyday objects. Their ultimate goal is to produce “everyware,” which involves smoothly integrating computing capabilities into products such as clothing, packaging, and building materials, allowing for everywhere, environmentally friendly information processing. This invention has the potential to significantly accelerate the development of AI and digital technology.