Core Viewpoint - Zhejiang University has developed the world's largest neuromorphic computer, "Darwin Monkey (悟空)," which utilizes the third-generation brain-like chip Darwin 3, featuring over 2 billion spiking neurons and 100 billion synaptic connections, significantly advancing artificial intelligence and neuroscience modeling capabilities [1][2][19]. Group 1: Computer Specifications - The "Darwin Monkey" computer is built on the Darwin 3 chip, which supports over 2 billion spiking neurons, closely approaching the neuron count of a macaque brain [1][6]. - Each Darwin 3 chip can handle over 2.35 million spiking neurons and hundreds of millions of synapses, utilizing a 24x24 two-dimensional node grid architecture for efficient inter-node communication [6][8]. - The chip operates on an event-driven architecture, activating only when necessary, which reduces power consumption to as low as 5.47 picojoules per synaptic operation [13]. Group 2: Technological Innovations - Darwin 3 features a specialized instruction set architecture (ISA) that includes 10 main instructions for efficient processing of various spiking neuron models and learning rules [9][10]. - The chip employs an innovative connection representation mechanism that significantly compresses storage requirements while enhancing the maximum fan-in and fan-out capabilities by 1024 and 2048 times, respectively [11]. - The integration of 2.5D advanced packaging technology allows for the direct packaging of 64 Darwin 3 chips on a single 12-inch wafer, improving interconnect speed and reducing power consumption [18]. Group 3: Applications and Implications - The "Darwin Monkey" has successfully deployed intelligent applications, including DeepSeek, and has simulated various animal brains, providing new tools for neuroscience research [19][23]. - This computer not only serves as a foundation for AI development but also offers neuroscientists a means to explore brain mechanisms, potentially reducing reliance on biological experiments [23][24]. - The capabilities of the "Darwin Monkey" are expected to surpass human brain computational speeds, supporting future research in brain-like artificial intelligence [24].

Core Insights - The article discusses the launch of the Darwin Monkey ("悟空"), a new generation neuromorphic brain-like computer developed by Zhejiang University, which features over 2 billion neurons, marking a significant advancement in the field of neuromorphic computing [3][4]. Group 1: Technology and Development - The Darwin Monkey consists of 15 blade-type neuromorphic servers, each integrating 64 Darwin 3rd generation brain-like computing chips, which were developed in collaboration with the ZheJiang Lab [4][7]. - The Darwin 3rd generation chip supports over 2.35 million spiking neurons and hundreds of millions of synapses, enabling advanced brain-like computing capabilities [4][7]. - The system operates at approximately 2000 watts under typical conditions, showcasing its low power consumption [7]. Group 2: Innovations and Breakthroughs - The research team achieved breakthroughs in several key technologies, including large-scale neuron system interconnection and integration architecture, adaptive time-step control methods, and a layered system resource management framework [10][15]. - A new generation Darwin brain-like operating system was developed, which employs a hierarchical resource management architecture to optimize system resources dynamically [10][15]. Group 3: Applications and Implications - The Darwin Monkey has successfully deployed various intelligent applications, including running the DeepSeek brain-like model for logical reasoning, content generation, and mathematical problem-solving [13][15]. - The system serves as a natural platform for brain simulation, aiding neuroscience research by providing new experimental tools to explore brain mechanisms [15]. - The capabilities of the Darwin Monkey are expected to address the high energy consumption and computational demands of current deep learning models, potentially revolutionizing artificial intelligence [15].