As long as there have been computers, they have been compared to the human brain. The brain has enormous computational power, with some estimates suggesting the equivalent of billions of calculations per second.
Modern high-performance computing systems – often called supercomputers – have caught up to the brain in terms of speed and storage capacity. However, the brain remains a more efficient machine, with very little energy cost to the body, while high-performance computing systems require a tremendous amount of energy to operate. The brain also maintains an edge in terms of flexibility and the ability to learn. Enter neuromorphic computing. Continue reading