Initiative

"μBRAIN will explore innovative basic research concepts aimed at understanding highly integrated sensory and nervous systems in miniature insects and developing prototype computational models that could be mapped onto suitable hardware to emulate their impressive function. Nature has forced on these small insects drastic miniaturization and energy efficiency, some having only a few hundred neurons in a compact form-factor, while maintaining basic functionality. This research could lead to capability of inference, prediction, generalization, and abstraction of problems in systematic or entirely news ways in order to find solutions to compelling problems.

The primary goal is to understand the computational principles, architecture, and neuronal details of small bio-systems driven by extreme SWaP needs in nature. By doing so, DARPA aims to identify new computing paradigms that would enable improved AI with considerably reduced training times and power consumption."

Initiative

"With a focus on wounded warriors and facilitating their return to military service, the Hand Proprioception and Touch Interfaces (HAPTIX) program is pursuing key technologies to enable precision control of and sensory feedback from sensor-equipped upper-limb prosthetic devices. If successful, the resulting system would provide users near-natural control of prosthetic hands and arms via bi-directional peripheral nerve implants. The program has a strong focus on technology handoff and aims to create and transition clinically relevant technology in support of wounded warriors suffering from single or multiple limb loss."

Initiative

"The Intelligent Neural Interfaces (INI) program seeks to establish 'Third-Wave' artificial intelligence methods to improve and expand the application space of next-generation neurotechnology. Recent progress in central and peripheral neural interface technologies has resulted in impressive capability demonstrations by utilizing artificial intelligence methods such as neural networks, evolutionary algorithms, and state space machine learning algorithms; however, a number of challenges still exist."

Initiative

"The Neural Engineering System Design (NESD) program seeks to develop high-resolution neurotechnology capable of mitigating the effects of injury and disease on the visual and auditory systems of military personnel. In addition to creating novel hardware and algorithms, the program conducts research to understand how various forms of neural sensing and actuation might improve restorative therapeutic outcomes."

Initiative

"The Next-Generation Nonsurgical Neurotechnology (N3) program aims to develop high-performance, bi-directional brain-machine interfaces for able-bodied service members. Such interfaces would be enabling technology for diverse national security applications such as control of unmanned aerial vehicles and active cyber defense systems or teaming with computer systems to successfully multitask during complex military missions."