EDGX Collaborates with BrainChip to Develop Disruptive Data Processing Solutions for Space
October 6, 2023 | BUSINESS WIREEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
EDGX, a Belgian SpaceTech company focused on developing disruptive intelligent space systems, and BrainChip Holdings Ltd, the world’s first commercial producer of ultra-low power, fully digital, event-based, neuromorphic AI IP, announced a collaborative agreement to develop data processing units for very demanding environments.
Space infrastructure is increasingly becoming more important in our everyday lives. Satellite based services are fundamental to global navigation, weather forecasting, secure communications, climate monitoring, and for rapid response to natural disasters, just to name a few. As the space industry is trying to become a self-sustaining economy, satellite launches are booming. EDGX recognized the growing demand and opportunity for product-driven innovation within the space industry. EDGX is developing a new data processing unit concept that mixes classic AI acceleration with neuromorphic computing to decrease onboard AI power dissipation, increase adaptability and ultimately enable autonomous learning capabilities onboard next generation satellites.
“Imagine thousands of interconnected satellites powered by next-generation AI technology inspired by the human brain, bringing real-time data connectivity for both humans and machines here on Earth. That’s what we envision at EDGX,” said Nick Destrycker, Founder and CEO at EDGX. “This is where BrainChip’s Akida technology comes into play, the event-based accelerator for AI at the edge, which coincides perfectly with our vision in developing brain-inspired data processing units for space.”
“We built the Akida roadmap with a vision to deliver high-performance, ultra-low power, self-contained processing that didn’t constantly need connection to the Cloud, which is critical for constrained environments like space,” said Peter van der Made, Founder and CTO at BrainChip. “BrainChip’s focus on combining neuromorphic principles with the benefits of the deep learning ecosystem, customization, and continuous learning, matches EDGX’s requirements for disruptive technology. We are excited to partner with them to truly push the boundaries of what is possible.”
EDGX and BrainChip are building up their partnership by signing a Non-binding Memorandum of Understanding at European Space Agency’s (ESA) EDHPC Conference, in Juan-les-Pins, France.
“What fascinates us the most about Akida is its capability to run in two different modes: Firstly, Akida can run conventional CNN, making it compatible with so many proven neural networks out there. But then, running in event-based mode, it cuts down power demand by orders of magnitude. And power is at premium in the space environment. Event based processing may easily open a door into a new realm of processing in space to do things which were not possible before,” said Laurent Hili, Microelectronics and Data Handling Engineer at ESA.
Suggested Items
Orbex Secures £16.7m Investment for Rocket ‘Ramp Up’ Period
04/24/2024 | OrbexThe UK spaceflight company Orbex has received £16.7m from six backers in an update to its Series C funding round.
Lockheed Martin Successfully Transitions Long Range Discrimination Radar To The Missile Defense Agency
04/23/2024 | Lockheed MartinThe Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) at Clear Space Force Station in Clear, Alaska, completed DD250 final acceptance and was officially handed over to the Missile Defense Agency in preparation for an Operational Capability Baseline (OCB) decision and final transition to the Warfighter. In addition, prior to this transition, the system has started Space Domain Awareness data collects for the United States Space Force.
Boeing's Janene Stinson Earns IPC Excellence in Education Award at IPC APEX EXPO 2024
04/22/2024 | IPCThe IPC Excellence in Education award was presented to Janene Stinson, Boeing, at IPC APEX EXPO 2024 in Anaheim, California, in recognition of her significant contributions to workforce development and leadership.
NEC Strengthens Commitment to Space Industry with Investment in Seraphim Space Venture Fund II
04/22/2024 | JCN NewswireNEC Corporation announced a strategic investment in "Seraphim Space Venture Fund II," a pioneering venture capital fund specializing in the space industry and operated by Seraphim Space, the most prolific investor globally in this domain.
Fraunhofer IIS Opens Laboratory in Space
04/19/2024 | Fraunhofer IISRadiation, vacuum, and substantial temperature fluctuations: extreme conditions prevail in space, presenting a tough challenge for satellite communications. With the Fraunhofer On-Board Processor (FOBP), experiments can be conducted in space to explore whether new technologies are operational under real conditions.