Chip devised that mimics human sight and memory
LOS ANGELES: A tiny device that can mimic human vision and memory has raised hopes for the next generation of bionic eyes, thanks to a team of Melbourne researchers.
The single chip “sees” and can create memories in a similar way to humans.
The invention could also be used in self-driving cars and autonomous operations in dangerous environments, RMIT lead researcher Sumeet Walia said.
“Imagine a self-driving car that can see and recognise objects on the road in the same way that a human driver can,” Professor Walia said.
The device uses neuromorphic technology – large-scale circuits that replicate the operation of human brain.
Professor Walia said the technology was not artificial intelligence but had elements of “smartness”.
“You are dealing with something that mimics the architecture of the human brain in terms of how it makes memories,” he said.
The device is still some way from human implantation but the new chip captures more light and opens up the possibility of colour vision, unlike many previous artificial eyes that only see black and white.
“It’s not just about the vision capture, but how you process that information, and how information gets fed into the brain, where we make memories,” Professor Waila said. “So what we’ve done here is essentially tackle all those steps.”
RMIT engineers led the work, with contributions from researchers at Deakin and the Melbourne universities.
The device uses UV light, which also opens possible uses in forensics and in contaminated food detection.
It could also have uses in space such as satellite operations, to being able to rapidly detect and track space junk.
“At the moment, if you’re looking at something using the satellite usually there is a frame-by-frame collection and then you send that information down very expensive optical links,” Professor Waila said.
“Then there is an algorithm and a person processing it, and by the time you have an outcome that event has already happened.”
The research team created the device to imitate the human retina’s capabilities by using sensors that capture, store and process visual information.
“Taking inspiration from the eye, we have been working for several years on creating a camera that possesses similar abilities, through the process of neuromorphic engineering,” Professor Waila said.
Various forms of artificial eyes have been used to improve people’s sight in programs around the world with mixed results. Most use retinal implants to improve or restore vision.
Biomedical researchers at the University of Sydney and UNSW developed the Phoenix Bionic Eye in 2021 and was moving towards human trials.