Deep-learning apps that do computer vision, voice recognition and other tasks mostly just need to run matrix calculations on gigantic arrays -- something that doesn't suit general-purpose Core or Xeon chips. Now, thanks to its purchase of deep learning chipmaker Nervana, Intel will ship its first purpose-built AI chips, the Nervana Neural Processor family (NNP), by the end of 2017.
Unlike its PC chips, the Nervana NNP is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that's specially made for both training and executing deep learning algorithms. "The speed and computational efficiency of deep learning can be greatly advanced by ASICs that are customized for ... this workload," writes Intel's VP of AI, Naveen Rao.
SOURCE: https://www.engadget.com/2017/10/17/intel-ai-deep-learning-nervana-npp/
