BrainChip starts taking orders for Akida AI processor development kits

BrainChip is now taking orders for two development kits for its Akida advanced neural networking processor, enabling users to begin internal testing and validation of Akida’s high-performance, small, ultra-low power AI chip.

Akida NSoC and intellectual property will, according to the company, enable a wide array of edge AI capabilities that include continuous learning and inference.

A provider of ultra-low power high performance artificial intelligence technology, BrainChip will be offering two development kits that both include the AKD1000 chip on a mini-PCI board: an X86 Shuttle PC development kit as well as an ARM-based Raspberry Pi development kit.

“Offering development kits is not only a major step towards full commercialisation, it’s also an exciting opportunity to see how our partners and future customers will put Akida to work in environments and scenarios like consumer electronics, industrial applications, aerospace and defence systems, healthcare and medical devices, automotive technology, and more,” said Anil Mankar, BrainChip co-founder and chief development officer.

“We believe the AKD1000 silicon, or the licensing of Akida in a configurable IP format, will lead to major changes in industries using AI at the edge because of its performance, security, low power requirements, and mainly Akida’s ability to perform AI training and learning on the device itself, without dependency on the cloud.”

Organisations can purchase an Akida development kit via the company’s website.

BrainChip’s Akida looks to bring artificial intelligence to the edge in a way that existing technologies are not able to. The solution is high-performance, small, ultra-low power and enables a wide array of edge capabilities.

The Akida (NSoC) and IP can be used in applications including Smart Home, Smart Health, Smart City and Smart Transportation. These applications include but are not limited to home automation and remote controls, industrial IoT, robotics, security cameras, sensors, unmanned aircraft, autonomous vehicles, medical instruments, object detection, sound detection, odour and taste detection, gesture control and cybersecurity.