Intel unveils new AI-focused Nervana chipsets in collaboration with Facebook

Intel has unveiled a new set of AI focussed chipset called 'Nervana Neural Network Processor'. The AI-based chipsets which are expected to ship by the end of 2017 are designed in collaboration with Facebook. The chipsets were earlier codenamed 'Lake Crest'.

The Intel Nervana NNP promises to revolutionize AI computing across myriad industries. Using this technology, companies will be able to develop entirely new class of AI applications that maximize the amount of data processed and enable customers to find greater insights – transforming their businesses. The new NNP family brings an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which is specially designed for artificial intelligence processing. The new Intel chips would be heading to the data centers instead of PC building, taking on Nvidia GPU and Google's Tensor Processing Units(TPU).

Intel's Naveen Rao writes, "The new Intel Nervana Neural Network Processor family of processors is over 3 years in the making. The Intel Nervana NNP is a purpose-built architecture for deep learning. The goal of this new architecture is to provide the needed flexibility to support all deep learning primitives while making core hardware components as efficient as possible." The new chip will be the company's first step towards achieving 100 times greater AI performance by 2020.

The Nervana chips are designed for matrix multiplications and convolutions, which are common for deep learning programs. Intel appears to have an intention to build a full product line around the Nervana Neural Network Processor chips. Additionally, Intel is working on quantum computing with QuTech, its partner on the Neuromorphic chips project.