SpikiLi: A Spiking Simulation of LiDAR based Real-time Object Detection for Autonomous Driving

Spiking Neural Networks are a recent and new neural network design approach that promises tremendous improvements in power efficiency, computation efficiency, and processing latency. They do so by using asynchronous spike-based data flow, event-based signal generation, processing, and modifying the neuron model to resemble biological neurons closely. While some initial works have shown significant initial evidence of applicability to common deep learning tasks, their applications in complex real-world tasks has been relatively low. In this work, we first illustrate the applicability of spiking neural networks to a complex deep learning task namely Lidar based 3D object detection for automated driving. Secondly, we make a step-by-step demonstration of simulating spiking behavior using a pre-trained convolutional neural network. We closely model essential aspects of spiking neural networks in simulation and achieve equivalent run-time and accuracy on a GPU. When the model is realized on a neuromorphic hardware, we expect to have significantly improved power efficiency.

Spiking Neural Networks Hardware Implementations and Challenges: a Survey

Neuromorphic computing is henceforth a major research field for both academic and industrial actors. As opposed to Von Neumann machines, brain-inspired processors aim at bringing closer the memory and the computational elements to efficiently evaluate machine-learning algorithms. Recently, Spiking Neural Networks, a generation of cognitive algorithms employing computational primitives mimicking neuron and synapse operational principles, have become an important part of deep learning. They are expected to improve the computational performance and efficiency of neural networks, but are best suited for hardware able to support their temporal dynamics. In this survey, we present the state of the art of hardware implementations of spiking neural networks and the current trends in algorithm elaboration from model selection to training mechanisms. The scope of existing solutions is extensive; we thus present the general framework and study on a case-by-case basis the relevant particularities. We describe the strategies employed to leverage the characteristics of these event-driven algorithms at the hardware level and discuss their related advantages and challenges.