China's electronics manufacturer unveils neural network processor

China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC), a State-owned electronics manufacturer, has unveiled an advanced neural network cognitive processor called "Auk Core."

A neural net processor is a central processing unit that operates similar to neurons in the human brain to perform various computation tasks. With fully independent intellectual property rights, the Auk Core can provide functions including target detection and image classification for remote sensing and video imagery.

Compared with its previous generations, the processor has been manufactured with a high-speed and low-power design and can support various operating systems such as Windows and Linux. Its performance is comparable to that of top international competitors, according to the CETC.

The auks are short-winged diving seabirds found in arctic regions. They are excellent swimmers, divers and observers.

Wang Ziwei, head of the project, said the processor has similar features with the bird that can detect and identify objects at the sea surface and accomplish many more tasks under extreme external conditions.