Strategic Elements’ printable Nanocube Memory technology has potential as printable brains-inspired computing hardware

Strategic Elements Ltd (ASX:SOR) is buoyed by tests that confirm its printable Nanocube Memory technology has potential as printable brain-inspired (neuromorphic) computing hardware. Work at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) confirmed that the Nanocube Memory structure and operation allows it to combine computing and memory in one place in a way similar to how biological neurons operate. Brain-inspired computing The artificial synapses fabricated by UNSW using the Nanocube Memory technology provides a potential hardware solution that has combined data storage and processing abilities, a key to neuromorphic computing. This technology has the potential to store a range of values (as resistance states), rather than just the traditional one and zero, allowing it to mimic the way the strength of a connection between two biological synapses can vary. Changing those synaptic weights (connection strength) in artificial synapses in neuromorphic computing is one way to allow the brain-based system to achieve self-learning. A potential hardware solution has the ability to store and process data within the same component, reducing latency and power consumption as information does not need to be sent back and forth between the memory and processing unit. This technology could potentially enable neuromorphic hardware to emulate high processing ability of the human brain with low energy consumption. Printable artificial synapses could potentially enable combined data processing and storage for printed/flexible electronics. This will allow for more complex applications to be realised, especially in resource-constrained Internet of Things (IoT) devices which require hardware that consumes less power and energy but which are currently major constraints for compact systems with limited battery supply. Further early-stage work The UNSW Nanoionics laboratory is now closed as part of the UNSW shut down period for Christmas and New Year and will re-open in the first week of January. Further early-stage work on features such as stability, potentiation, depression, latency and power requirements will continue and be reported in the first quarter of 2021. Printable self-charging battery The company said it was very pleased with progress of the printable self-recharging battery technology and it remains on track to announce further information in January 2021. The self-charging battery technology is being developed under a collaboration with UNSW and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), partially funded by the Federal Government. This work has the potential to replace existing lithium-based batteries which have significant drawbacks including size, weight and rigidity, as well as well-documented safety issues. Shares on the move SOR’s market capitalisation is approximately $62.4 million and shares today are as much as 15% higher in early trading to 19 cents. Since closing at 6.5 cents on October 26, shares have traded up on the back of strong newsflow, peaking at a new five-year high of 21.5 cents and hitting 20.5 cents earlier this month.