Intel, and Cornell University, created a neuromorphic chip that has the ability to smell 10 different hazardous chemicals. The neuromorphic chip was able to be taught to smell potential hazards using an algorithm that operates similarly to human olfactory systems. The company states that the chip can smell acetone, ammonia, methane and more. Intel's chip also can detect these chemicals even when they may be masked by other scents in the area.
Nabil Imam, a senior research scientist for Intel, spoke about the neuromorphic chip and stated that it is a "prime example of contemporary research taking place at the crossroads of neuroscience and artificial intelligence."
In the future technology like this could be implemented to help protect humans from potential danger.
Hazard-Detecting Computer Chips
Intel's Neuromorphic Chip Can Smell 10 Hazardous Chemicals
Trend Themes
1. Neuromorphic Sensing - The creation of a neuromorphic chip that can smell hazardous chemicals presents an opportunity for further research and development in the field of neuromorphic sensing, creating potential for new applications in safety systems.
2. Algorithmic Olfactory - Intel's use of an algorithm that operates similarly to the human olfactory system presents an opportunity for the development of systems that can 'smell' in industries such as healthcare and food production.
3. Smart Environmental Analysis - The ability of the neuromorphic chip to detect hazardous chemicals even when masked by other scents in the area presents an opportunity for new applications in smart environmental analysis, such as air quality monitoring.
Industry Implications
1. Safety and Security - Nose-on-a-chip technology offers potential disruptive innovation opportunities in safety and security systems, such as early warning systems for chemical leaks and toxic gas emissions.
2. Healthcare - The technology behind the neuromorphic chip could be applied in the healthcare industry to detect and diagnose medical conditions by analyzing the chemical composition of body fluids and other bio-specimens.
3. Food Production - Algorithmic olfactory technology could be adapted for use in the food production industry as a more efficient method for detecting spoilage and contamination in food products.