Flexible artificial neuron mimics brain activity

The chip that will mimic a brain neuron. Pic/Loughborough University Department of Physics

In a breakthrough that could shape the future of robotics, an international team led by Loughborough University has created an artificial neuron that mimics multiple parts of the brain. Known as a transneuron, the tiny device can switch between functions linked to vision, planning, and movement, marking a step toward more
human-like machines.

Unlike current artificial neurons, which perform fixed tasks, this single unit can adapt and compute like biological neurons using electrical pulses. Built using a component called a memristor, it can "remember" previous signals and respond to new ones accordingly.

The findings were published in the journal Nature Communications.