Russian Scientists Develop A Neurocomputer

UNN Scientists develop a Neurocomputer – virtual model of the sector in human brain. The prototype of a bridge between neurons has already been created.

This project has won a grant of the Russian Science Foundation. Alexei Mikhailov, Head of the Laboratory of the Research Institute of Physics and Technology of Lobachevsky University said:

"So far, we have already created an electronic memristor (resistor with memory), which duplicates synapses - the links between neurons. They transmit nerve impulses in the brain and are responsible for learning and memory,” mentioned the scientist. In the long term, this will lead to a creation of an electronic neural network - equivalent of the sector of the human brain or Neurocomputer.

According to Dr. Mikhailov, such projects were made possible with the launch of the university biomedical cluster - its opening is scheduled for the end of this year. "The cluster researchers extract living cells from mice, create living neural networks out of them, and study their activity. And our task is to think about how to properly connect the living and electronic cells, so they begin interacting properly," said the scientist.

Ultimately, this will help create devices as effective as the human brain: computers, pattern recognition systems, automated control systems for robots. "The human brain can be created on a single chip. And if we implant such a microprocessor in a robot, it will be able to autonomously navigate and adapt to the environment, in fact, like a human being, like a nervous system. For example, when you touch something hot, you jerk back your hand, and robot will be able to react the same way", Dr. Mikhailov added.

"This product will actually breathe life into robot and robotics. In medicine, for instance, this is important because such Neurocomputers can improve the performance capabilities of artificial limbs, exoskeletons - they will make them more human-like: a person thinks – an artificial arm opens a door for him”, said Irina Mukhina, Doctor of Biological Science, Professor of Neurodynamics and Neurobiology of Lobachevsky University.