On the next generation for neuromorphic computing and neuromorphic AI.

As we learn more about the inner cognitive workings of the brain's information processing and decision-making behaviours, this naturally leads us to consider alternative and additional ways to process information, from chips and architectures through the generation of insights and decisions. In turn, this suggests some options that might respond to challenges that are not addressable by the present state-of-the-art. By their nature, however, they may develop some common features and idiosyncrasies that are associated with human cognition, such as individual expertise and blind spots, illusions, systematic errors and transient mindsets, as well as evolutionarily advantageous fast-thinking facilities, which are applicable within novel and data-poor circumstances. We discuss some of the lessons learned from the reverse engineering of very large-scale neuron-to-neuron simulations (1B neurons) within cortex-like, network-of-networks, architectures. We identify some elements of the dynamical behaviour of the inner sub-networks (neural columns) that are not exhibited by present-day neuromorphic chips, owing to conceptual and design limitations. We describe a novel mathematical framework that might encompass human cognitive processing alongside various future neuromorphic processing concepts. We also identify certain elements of human cognition, reasoning and performance that present-day chips and present-day artificial intelligence (AI) simply cannot fully emulate (match to a high standard, in some artificial way), or simulate (achieve in the same way). We discuss how these aspects might catalyse some new fields of development for both processors and AI methodologies. In short, we discuss how future research and development will respond in radical ways that are precluded by most present-day technologies. This article is part of the theme issue 'Safe, secure and robust AI for safety-critical systems'.