MIT researchers have created a groundbreaking new AI processor that utilizes light to process wireless signals at unprecedented speeds. This innovation promises to revolutionize wireless communication and various other technologies.
The new chip, named MAFT-ONN, operates at the speed of light, classifying signals in nanoseconds. This is significantly faster than current digital systems, offering a substantial leap in efficiency and speed.
Built using photonics, MAFT-ONN uses light instead of electricity, making it compact, energy-efficient, and suitable for a wide range of applications. It could be particularly beneficial for 6G networks, self-driving cars, and medical devices.
MAFT-ONN's design allows it to bypass the image conversion step used by traditional AI chips, working directly in the frequency domain. This approach saves time and energy.
The chip's ability to perform complex operations using light alone is a significant advancement. It achieved high accuracy in signal classification during testing, demonstrating its potential to reshape multiple technologies.