How to resolve AdBlock issue? Researchers at the University of Surrey have successfully demonstrated proof-of-concept of using their multimodal transistor (MMT) in artificial neural networks, which mimic the human brain. This is an important step towards using thin-film transistors as artificial intelligence hardware and moves edge computing forward, with the prospect of reducing power needs and improving efficiency, rather than relying solely on computer chips.
The MMT, first reported by Surrey researchers in 2020, overcomes long-standing challenges associated with transistors and can perform the same operations as more complex circuits. This latest research, published in the peer-reviewed journal Scientific Reports, uses mathematical modeling to prove the concept of using MMTs in artificial intelligence systems, which is a vital step towards manufacturing.
Using measured and simulated transistor data, the researchers show that well-designed multimodal transistors could operate robustly as rectified linear unit-type (ReLU) activations in artificial neural networks, achieving practically identical classification accuracy as pure ReLU implementations. They used both measured and simulated MMT data to train an artificial neural network to identify handwritten numbers and compared the results with the built-in ReLU of the software. The results confirmed the potential of MMT devices for thin-film decision and classification circuits. The same approach could be used in more complex AI systems.
Unusually, the research was led by Surrey undergraduate Isin Pesch, who worked on the project during the final year research module of her BEng (Hons) in Electronic Engineering with Nanotechnology. Covid meant she had to study remotely from her home in Turkey, but she still managed to spearhead the development, complemented by an international research team, which also included collaborators in the University of Rennes, France, and UCL, London.
Isin Pesch, the lead author of the paper, which was written before she graduated in July 2021, said: “There is a great need for technological improvements to support the growth of low cost, large-area electronics which were shown to be used in artificial intelligence applications. Thin-film transistors have a role to play in enabling high processing power with low resource use. We can now see that MMTs, a unique type of thin-film transistor, invented at the University of Surrey, have the reliability and uniformity needed to fulfill this role.”
Dr. Radu Sporea, Senior Lecturer at the University of Surrey’s Advanced Technology Institute, said: “These findings are a reminder of how Surrey is a leader in AI research. Many of my colleagues focus on people-centred AI and how best to maximize the benefits for humans, including how to apply these new concepts ethically. Our research at the Advanced Technology Institute takes forward the physical implementation, as a stepping stone towards powerful yet affordable next-generation hardware. It’s fantastic that collaboration is resulting in such successes with researchers involved at all levels, from undergraduates like Isin when she led this research, to seasoned experts.”
ADVA has launched its sustainable supplier program as part of its ongoing commitment to radically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The initiative extends ADVA’s holistic sustainability strategy upstream in its supply chain and is a key step towards the company’s production processes becoming completely carbon neutral. Launched in cooperation with ADVA’s finance platform partner Traxpay, the program involves ADVA offering financial incentives to its suppliers who meet strict criteria for minimizing environmental impact. The scheme also strengthens ADVA’s supply chain at a time of unprecedented logistical challenges, including material shortages and the global semiconductor crisis.
“The sustainable supplier program is another milestone in expanding our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) activities and ensuring environmentally friendly supply chain management. Everyone needs to play their part to fight climate change and so we’re rewarding our suppliers who share our dedication to taking urgent action now,” said Klaus Grobe, director, global sustainability, ADVA. “Our commitment to setting and meeting strict emissions targets has made ADVA one of the world’s leading systems vendors when it comes to sustainability. Now we’re also incentivizing our suppliers to prioritize the future and meet the highest standards in the industry for carbon reduction.” 
ADVA’s sustainable supplier program is part of its commitments based on the most ambitious goals of the COP26 Glasgow Climate Pact: limiting global temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The company was one of the first telecommunication technology suppliers to have targets approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) and the criteria for its new supplier program are in line with ADVA’s own sustainability goals. These are in turn checked by customers, including regular assessments with the TIA Assessor tool and EcoVadis ratings. To evaluate suppliers’ sustainability activities ADVA will leverage IntegrityNext software. ADVA will also work with its partner NORD/LB, which will ensure financial security by providing additional liquidity for the program.
“With our new initiative, we’re empowering our suppliers to make a significant difference. Our sustainable supplier program motivates them to reduce the environmental impact of their business and helps them achieve sustainable success. It will also make a decisive contribution to maintaining robust supply chains, especially in the current era of global material shortages,” commented Steven Williams, director, treasury and investor relations, ADVA. “Since 2017, ADVA has held a Gold TIA rating, and last year we achieved our first EcoVadis Platinum rating. Now, we’re widening the scope of our efforts. Alongside our partners Traxpay and NORD/LB, we’re rewarding sustainable suppliers for their ESG activities and encouraging other companies to help tackle this most urgent challenge.”