Synaptic transistor mimics brain to make robots more intelligent

The flexible device from Penn State works like neurons in the brain to send signals to some cells and inhibit others in order to enhance and weaken the devices' memories.

Led by Cunjiang Yu, Dorothy Quiggle Career Development Associate Professor of Engineering Science and Mechanics and associate professor of biomedical engineering and of materials science and engineering, the team designed the synaptic transistor to be integrated in robots or wearables and use artificial intelligence to optimise functions. The team’s findings are published in Nature Electronics.

"Mirroring the human brain, robots and wearable devices using the synaptic transistor can use its artificial neurons to 'learn' and adapt their behaviours," Yu said in a statement. "For example, if we burn our hand on a stove, it hurts, and we know to avoid touching it next time. The same results will be possible for devices that use the synaptic transistor, as the artificial intelligence is able to 'learn' and adapt to its environment."