Core Insights - Zhejiang University has launched a new generation of neuromorphic brain-like computer named Darwin Monkey ("Wukong"), which is the first neuromorphic computer in the world with over 2 billion neurons, closely resembling the scale of a macaque brain [1][2] Group 1: Technology and Development - "Wukong" is equipped with 960 self-developed Darwin 3rd generation neuromorphic chips, supporting over 2 billion spiking neurons and over 100 billion synapses, with a power consumption of approximately 2000 watts under typical operating conditions [1] - The Darwin chip was developed in early 2023, with each chip supporting over 2.35 million spiking neurons and hundreds of millions of synapses, along with a dedicated instruction set for brain-like computing and online learning mechanisms [1] - The team achieved breakthroughs in several key technologies, including large-scale neuron system interconnection and integration architecture, adaptive time-step control methods, and domestic wafer substrate technology for wafer-level neuromorphic chips [1] Group 2: Applications and Future Plans - The team has successfully deployed multiple intelligent applications on "Wukong," capable of running the DeepSeek brain-like large model for logical reasoning, content generation, and mathematical problem-solving [2] - "Wukong" can also simulate the brains of various animals, including C. elegans, zebrafish, mice, and macaques, providing new tools for neuroscience research [2] - Future plans include further improvements in neural models and learning algorithms [2]

Core Insights - The launch of the Darwin Monkey (悟空) represents a significant advancement in neuromorphic computing, achieving over 2 billion neurons and marking China's position at the international forefront of this technology [1][2] - The system is designed to address high energy consumption and computational demands of existing deep networks and large models, providing a new computational paradigm [2] Group 1: Technology and Features - The Darwin Monkey consists of 15 blade-type neuromorphic servers, each integrating 64 Darwin 3rd generation neuromorphic chips, closely mimicking the neuron count of a macaque brain [1] - The system operates at approximately 2000 watts under typical conditions, showcasing its low power consumption capabilities [1] - A new generation Darwin neuromorphic operating system has been developed to optimize resource management and enable efficient concurrent scheduling of neuromorphic tasks [1] Group 2: Applications and Implications - The system can perform intelligent tasks such as logical reasoning, content generation, and mathematical problem-solving through the DeepSeek application [1] - It serves as a simulation tool for neuroscientists, allowing for the modeling of various animal brains, thus providing new experimental methods while reducing the need for real biological experiments [2] - The capabilities of the system are expected to accelerate the development of general artificial intelligence by leveraging its brain-like operational mechanisms and surpassing human brain processing speeds [2]

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].