Cortical Models for Neuromorphic Engineering

California Institute Of Technology, Pasadena CA

Investigators

Abstract

9908537 Psaltis This award funds the first year of a collaborative research program between the Engineering Research Center at the California Institute of Technology on Neuromorphic Engineering Systems with the Institute of NeuroInformatics at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and the University of Zurich, Switzerland. The goals of the effort are: (1) to measure and model the computational properties of neuronal networks in the mammalian cortex, in particular the visual vortex of primates, (2) to build analog VLSI and optoelectronic hardware to perform useful sensory tasks and do the computations, and (3) to construct single-chip modules for landmark-based navigation.. The effort involves support for one key researcher at each institution per goal area, and for travel by the personnel to collaborate and coordinate the work. In addition, the effort involves development of classes and teaching material in neuromorphic engineering, the development of new laboratory equipment needed for the research, and development of software and hardware platforms for the research.