Themistoklis Prodromakis is a research fellow at the Centre for Bio-inspired Technology and is developing brain-inspired electronics using memristors

What are memristors?

Memristors are relatively simple electronic components – often just a thin film made of titanium dioxide between two metal electrodes – but with some very interesting properties and functions. They can store data at a higher density, while drawing far less power than the existing ‘flash’ memory found in USB devices and memory cards in mobile phones and cameras. As well as data storage though, memristors could also be used to process information and it is this potential that has experts across different disciplines excited.

How can this be used to create brain-inspired electronics?

Instead of just switching between on and off states, like most central processing units (CPUs), memristors can be engineered to deliver a continuous change in resistance – so the more current flows through the lower the resistance becomes. This is very similar to the way biological neurons function in our brains. Interestingly, these characteristics mean that memristors can be programmed to emulate the formation of long-term, and short-term memory events. By exploiting the combined action of many memristor devices in series, we might be able to create electronic systems that mimic the functioning of biological neural networks.

What are the benefits?

By gaining a better understanding of neural networks we can boost research and development in crossdisciplinary areas such as neurobiology and develop improved diagnostic tools and treatments for patients suffering from neurological disorders. This research also takes us a step closer to the creation of ‘autonomous intelligent systems’ for robotics applications and neuroprosthetics that respond to nerve impulses like real limbs. If realised, these breakthroughs would have a tremendous societal impact.

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