Russian Scientists Develop 'Eyes' for Artificial Intelligence
The Kurchatov Institute is building neuromorphic sensors that mimic human senses, promising faster, more energy-efficient AI systems.
Russia’s National Research Center Kurchatov Institute has launched a five-year project to design analog neuromorphic sensors and computing systems—technology that could give artificial intelligence something it has long lacked: the ability to directly perceive the world. The work is backed by a grant from the Russian Science Foundation in memory of academician Evgeny Velikhov, providing annual funding of about 100 million rubles (roughly $1.2 million), with the possibility of extension.
Unlike conventional AI, which often processes input ‘blindly’ by converting real-world signals into digital code at enormous computational cost, neuromorphic sensors imitate biological senses. They allow machines to ‘see’ and ‘hear’ their surroundings in real time, dramatically reducing energy use while speeding up response times. Researchers say this is a critical step toward building truly autonomous and efficient systems.
The project aims to create a full hardware-software prototype based on Russia’s domestically developed Altai neuroprocessor. A key innovation will be the use of memristors—resistors with memory—that enable highly energy-efficient systems for real-time data streaming. Such designs could prove invaluable for the Internet of Things, autonomous robotics, and predictive analytics.
Cybersecurity giant Kaspersky Lab is partnering on the project as both a customer and a collaborator, ensuring that the new technology has immediate pathways for deployment in securing digital infrastructure.
