GRANT: Ground Roaming Autonomous Neuromorphic Targeter

Neuromorphic computing, or computing inspired by the cognitive processes of the brain, has garnered attention as the need for a more scalable, while also energy and space efficient, computational construct than the traditional Von Neumann based architectures has grown. Particularly, computing structures that perform complex tasks such as classification, anomaly detection, pattern recognition, and control automation are desired. Using the novel neuromorphic computing architecture developed by TENNLab (Laboratory of Tennesseans Exploring Neural Networks), DANNA2 (Dynamic Adaptive Neural Network Array 2), along with TENNLab\u27s hardware/software co-design framework and evolutionary optimization for neuromorphic systems (EONS) as the training method, we present GRANT (Ground Roaming Autonomous Neuromorphic Targeter): a roaming, obstacle avoiding robot controlled by a spiking neural network. With an array of DANNA2 neuromorphic elements loaded onto a Pynq Z1 FPGA, GRANT uses LiDAR to read sensory input from its surroundings and uses this data as input to the neural network. The outputs from the neural network are processed and used to control the motors allowing GRANT to navigate its surroundings and avoid obstacles along the way. Future work will be the addition of more complex operations in the form of object identification and targeting

Functional Specification of the RAVENS Neuroprocessor

RAVENS is a neuroprocessor that has been developed by the TENNLab research group at the University of Tennessee. Its main focus has been as a vehicle for chip design with memristive elements; however it has also been the vehicle for all-digital CMOS development, plus it has implementations on FPGA's, microcontrollers and software simulation. The software simulation is supported by the TENNLab neuromorphic software framework so that researchers may develop RAVENS solutions for a variety of neuromorphic computing applications. This document provides a functional specification of RAVENS that should apply to all implementations of the RAVENS neuroprocessor.Comment: 17 pages, 11 figure

Disclosure of a Neuromorphic Starter Kit

This paper presents a Neuromorphic Starter Kit, which has been designed to help a variety of research groups perform research, exploration and real-world demonstrations of brain-based, neuromorphic processors and hardware environments. A prototype kit has been built and tested. We explain the motivation behind the kit, its design and composition, and a prototype physical demonstration.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure