Lifeboat Foundation

Human visual neurons rely on event-driven, energy-efficient spikes for communication, while silicon image sensors do not. The energy-budget mismatch between biological systems and machine vision technology has inspired the development of artificial visual neurons for use in spiking neural network (SNN). However, the lack of multiplexed data coding schemes reduces the ability of artificial visual neurons in SNN to emulate the visual perception ability of biological systems. Here, we present an artificial visual spiking neuron that enables rate and temporal fusion (RTF) coding of external visual information. The artificial neuron can code visual information at different spiking frequencies (rate coding) and enables precise and energy-efficient time-to-first-spike (TTFS) coding. This multiplexed sensory coding scheme could improve the computing capability and efficacy of artificial visual neurons. A hardware-based SNN with the RTF coding scheme exhibits good consistency with real-world ground truth data and achieves highly accurate steering and speed predictions for self-driving vehicles in complex conditions. The multiplexed RTF coding scheme demonstrates the feasibility of developing highly efficient spike-based neuromorphic hardware.

A spiking neural network that is based on event-driven vision sensors can be created using two parallel photodiodes of opposite polarities that output programmable spike signal trains in response to changes in light intensity.

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The solar aircraft is made by a Spanish-American aerospace startup called Skydweller Aero. Based in Oklahoma City, the company raised $32 million in its Series A funding round, led by Italian aerospace firm Leonardo.

Continue reading “This Autonomous Solar-Powered Aircraft Will Fly for 90 Days Straight” »

Tesla’s development of AI-powered self-driving cars has the potential to revolutionize transportation, disrupt labor, and create significant value in the market.

Questions to inspire discussion.

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For more than 15 years, a group of scientists in Texas have been hard at work creating smaller and smaller devices to “see” through barriers using medium-frequency electromagnetic waves — and now, they seem closer than ever to cracking the code.

In an interview with Futurism, electrical engineering professor Kenneth O of the University of Texas explained that the tiny new imager chip he made with the help of his research team, which can detect the outlines of items through barriers like cardboard, was the result of repeat advances and breakthroughs in microprocessor technology over the better half of the last two decades.

“This is actually similar technology as what they’re using at the airport for security inspection,” O told us.

Reconstructing a scene using a single-camera viewpoint is challenging. Researchers have deployed generative artificial intelligence (AI) to achieve this. However, the models can hallucinate objects when determining what is obscured.

An alternate approach is to use shadows in a color image to infer the shape of the hidden object. However, the method falls short when the shadows are hard to see.

To overcome these limitations, the MIT researchers used a single-photon LiDAR. A LiDAR emits pulses of light, and the time it takes for these signals to bounce back to the sensor creates a 3D map of a scene.

A group that says they hacked software company CDK Global is demanding tens of millions of dollars in ransom, Bloomberg reported.

CDK, which provides software to car dealerships in North America, intends to pay the ransom but discussions are subject to change, according to Bloomberg’s report which cited a person familiar with the situation.

The source said the group behind the hack is believed to be based in eastern Europe, Bloomberg reported.

Battery technology is undergoing a rapid evolution. Recent years have seen significant improvements in both range and charging speed for EVs. BYD and CATL’s upcoming batteries are the latest example, aiming to revolutionize charging times. These companies are reportedly set to debut their ultra-fast-charging LFP batteries by the end of this year, potentially eliminating the need for lengthy charging stops during road trips.

The key to these rapid charge times lies in the 6C charging rate boasted by both the BYD Blade 2.0 and CATL Qilin 2.0 battery packs. In simpler terms, the “6” signifies that the charging multiplier is six times the battery capacity. For instance, a 100-amp-hour battery could be charged with a massive 600-amp current.

Continue reading “Electric Vehicles Could Soon Recharge in 10 Minutes, BYD and CATL on the Verge of Breakthrough” »

The launch of the RT6 was announced at the company’s Apollo Day, held in Wuhan, in Hubei province.

The vehicle, which is made by strategic partner Jiangling Motors, was first unveiled in 2022 but is now finally ready to be put into service. Around 1,000 are expected to be deployed in Wuhan alone by the end of 2024.

The all-electric model measures 15.7 feet long – very similar to a Tesla Model 3 – and comes with a spacious cabin for four passengers.