NVIDIA has shown off a credit-card sized module capable of using machine learning for use in autonomous smart devices such as robots and drones.
The NVIDIA Jetson TX1 module aims to address the challenge of creating a new wave of millions of smart devices by incorporating capabilities such as machine learning, computer vision and navigation.
Potential applications include drones that don't just fly by remote control, but navigate their way through a forest for search and rescue; compact security surveillance systems that don't just scan crowds, but identify suspicious activity; and robots that don't just perform tasks, but tailor them to individuals' habits.
Jetson TX1 is the first embedded computer designed to process deep neural networks – computer software that can learn to recognise objects or interpret information.
This new approach to program computers is called machine learning and can be used to perform complex tasks such as recognizing images, processing conversational speech, or analysing a room full of furniture and finding a path to navigate across it.
With its 1 teraflops of performance – comparable to the fastest supercomputer from 15 years ago – Jetson promises to deliver exceptional performance for machine learning, computer vision, GPU computing and graphics, while drawing very little power.
"Jetson TX1 will enable a new generation of incredibly capable autonomous devices," said Deepu Talla, VP and general manager of the Tegra business at NVIDIA. "They will navigate on their own, recognize objects and faces, and become increasingly intelligent through machine learning. It will enable developers to create industry-changing products."
Available as a module, Jetson TX1 is also built into a Developer Kit, which enables hobbyists and professionals to develop and test highly advanced autonomous devices. This makes it easy to transition from development to manufacturing and production.