What Are AI Chips And How Do They Work?

Reuters reported that Apple revealed its latest iPad Pro featuring a new chip focused on artificial intelligence computing. This move, unusual for Apple, indicates a push to accelerate AI-related software development ahead of its upcoming software developer conference. The new iPad Pro boasts upgraded displays and houses the M4 chip with an enhanced “neural engine” specifically designed for AI tasks.

The emergence of AI, together with the continuous improvement of microchips, has created a recipe for revolutionising technology and society. As AI algorithms become more sophisticated and capable of handling complex tasks, the demand for efficient computing power has increased. AI chips, which are specifically designed to meet the computational needs of AI systems, play a huge role in enabling this revolution.

 

What Are AI Chips?

 

AI chips, also known as artificial intelligence chips, are specialised computer chips designed to perform complex calculations required by AI systems.

Unlike traditional computer chips, AI chips are tailored specifically for tasks such as training and deploying AI algorithms. These chips incorporate advanced design features that enable them to execute large numbers of calculations in parallel, use low-precision calculations, optimise memory access, and employ specialised programming languages.

 

Why Are AI Chips Important?

 

AI chips are crucial for the development and deployment of AI at scale due to their efficiency and speed. They significantly outperform general-purpose chips like central processing units (CPUs) for AI-related tasks, making them essential for cost-effective AI implementation.

Training leading AI algorithms can require substantial computing power, costing millions of pounds and taking weeks to complete. AI chips offer significant improvements in efficiency compared to older generations, enabling faster and more affordable AI development.

With their ability to execute tasks in parallel, optimise memory access, and perform calculations with high efficiency, AI chips are driving advancements in various fields, from healthcare and finance to transportation and entertainment. The combination of AI algorithms and micro chips promises to reshape industries, streamline workflows, and enhance human capabilities in ways previously unimaginable.

 

 

What Can AI Chips Do?

 

AI chips are optimised for AI-related operations. They incorporate advanced features such as parallel processing, low-precision calculations, and optimised memory access to accelerate AI tasks. Here are some examples of what AI chips can do:

 

Machine Learning And Deep Learning:

AI chips excel at the massive matrix math involved in these algorithms. They can handle the calculations needed to train complex models used for tasks like image recognition like facial recognition in photos or natural language processing such as chatbots understanding your questions.

 

Faster Processing:

Some AI applications require split-second decision making. AI chips allow for real-time processing of data, making them crucial for areas like autonomous vehicles reacting to sudden changes or fraud detection systems analysing transactions instantly.

 

Optimised For Specific Tasks:

Unlike CPUs juggling various tasks, AI chips are built for the repetitive calculations in AI. This focus allows for more accurate results and reduces energy consumption compared to using a CPU for the same tasks.

 

Beyond Traditional Computing:

AI chips are making waves in fields such as healthcare by analysing medical scans, finance by identifying fraud patterns, and robotics since they enable more complex movements. Their ability to handle complex data and algorithms is pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve.

 

The integration of AI chips represents a significant step towards revolutionising technology and society. With their specialised design and efficient performance, AI chips are positioned to drive advancements across various industries, from healthcare to finance and beyond.

As AI algorithms continue to evolve, the demand for efficient computing power provided by AI chips will only grow. This innovation highlights the importance of ongoing research and development in the field of artificial intelligence, paving the way for a future defined by unimaginable possibilities and advancements.