Title: A Survey of Neuromorphic Computing and Neural Networks in Hardware,
Abstract: Neuromorphic computing has come to refer to a variety of brain-inspired
computers, devices, and models that contrast the pervasive von Neumann computer
architecture. This biologically inspired approach has created highly connected
synthetic neurons and synapses that can be used to model neuroscience theories
as well as solve challenging machine learning problems. The promise of the
technology is to create a brain-like ability to learn and adapt, but the
technical challenges are significant, starting with an accurate neuroscience
model of how the brain works, to finding materials and engineering
breakthroughs to build devices to support these models, to creating a
programming framework so the systems can learn, to creating applications with
brain-like capabilities. In this work, we provide a comprehensive survey of the
research and motivations for neuromorphic computing over its history. We begin
with a 35-year review of the motivations and drivers of neuromorphic computing,
then look at the major research areas of the field, which we define as
neuro-inspired models, algorithms and learning approaches, hardware and
devices, supporting systems, and finally applications. We conclude with a broad
discussion on the major research topics that need to be addressed in the coming
years to see the promise of neuromorphic computing fulfilled. The goals of this
work are to provide an exhaustive review of the research conducted in
neuromorphic computing since the inception of the term, and to motivate further
work by illuminating gaps in the field where new research is needed.