<1mW neural processor IP for speech-based wake-up

BrainChip has created <1mW neural processing core intellectual property for speech, audio and vital signs analysis.

BrainChip Akida Pico AI block

Called Akida Pico and described as event-based co-processor, it is intended for “voice wake detection, keyword spotting, speech noise reduction, audio enhancement, presence detection, personal voice assistant, automatic doorbell, wearable AI and appliance voice interfaces”, according to the company.

As a co-processor, it would be responsible for waking a host processor, using its neural network to filter out false alarms.


The company has software to compile and optimise ‘temporal-enabled neural networks’ created with with TensorFlow/Keras and Pytorch for the new core.


“Users avoid needing to learn a new machine language framework while developing and deploying AI applications for the edge,” said BrainChip.

Steve Bush

Steve Bush is the long-standing technology editor for Electronics Weekly, covering electronics developments for more than 25 years. He has a particular interest in the Power and Embedded areas of the industry. He also writes for the Engineer In Wonderland blog, covering 3D printing, CNC machines and miscellaneous other engineering matters.

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