Supercomputer that simulates entire human brain will switch on in 2024

  • A supercomputer simulating an entire human brain will switch on this year
  • It could boost the advancement of AI technology
  • It’s capable of an incomprehensible 228 trillion synaptic operations per second – the same as the human brain

Published on Jan 26, 2024 at 7:41 PM (UTC+4)
by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones

Last updated on Mar 06, 2024 at 2:14 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Alessandro Renesis

In a world first, a supercomputer that simulates an entire human brain will switch on in 2024.

And it could create unprecedented and advanced AI technology.

Capable of an incomprehensible 228 trillion synaptic operations per second, the device matched the same amount as an organic human brain.

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Ironic, when you consider that’s a number that’s impossible for most of us to work our brains around.

The supercomputer is the first in the world to simulate the entire function of a human brain at full scale.

And this sci-fi-esque device, named ‘DeepSouth’, will switched on in April this year in Sydney.

AI and robots are getting increasingly humanlike in their capabilities to think and move.

In fact, some are even venturing to places that humans can’t access and helping with everyday tasks.

Researchers at the International Centre for Neuromorphic Systems (ICNS) at Western Sydney University are working on the DeepSouth project.

DeepSouth mimics biological processes that occur naturally in the human brain and we don’t even have to think about.

It will help scientists to understand how our synapses transfer information.

It’s also hoped the supercomputer will shed light on how a healthy human brain works.

The human brain can process massive amounts of information while consuming relatively little power.

DeepSouth tries to emulate the way neural networks function, requiring less power than other supercomputers.

While there’s plenty AI can learn from us, hoped DeepSouth will help researchers increase their understanding of how the diseased human brain functions.

“Progress in our understanding of how brains compute using neurons is hampered by our inability to simulate brain like networks at scale,” ICNS director, Professor André van Schaik said.

“Simulating spiking neural networks on standard computers using Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and multicore Central Processing Units (CPUs) is just too slow and power intensive. Our system will change that.

“This platform will progress our understanding of the brain and develop brain-scale computing applications in diverse fields including sensing, biomedical, robotics, space, and large-scale AI applications.”

Some of the images used for this article were created with AI

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London-based Amelia cut her journalistic teeth covering all things lifestyle, wellness and luxury in the UK capital. Fast-forward a decade and the experienced content creator and editor has put pen to paper for glossy magazines, busy newsrooms and coveted brands. When her OOO is on you can find her spending quality time with her young family, in the gym or exploring the city she loves.