Handheld Device Combines Nanomaterial-Based Sensors with Neuromorphic Processor Chip to Detect SARS-CoV-2 Antibody in Seconds

Brainchip Research Institute (Perth, Australia), a provider of ultra-low power high performance artificial intelligence (AI) technology, has entered into a research collaboration with Biotome Pty Ltd. (Perth, Australia), a precision immunology company that is developing highly accurate antibody tests for infections.

BrainChip’s Akida neuromorphic processor chip will be used to interpret sensor responses and to find out which responses are the most representative for antibodies that are protective. The Akida chip brings AI to the edge in a way that existing technologies are not capable. The solution is high-performance, small, ultra-low power and provides a wide array of capabilities. The objective of the Biotome research project is to create a handheld device that uses nanomaterial-based sensors in combination with the Akida chip that will give accurate results in seconds. The Akida processor is an essential part of this development in its ability to learn new sensory data patterns instantly, and classify the results in milliseconds at power consumption in the microwatts range. This enables the use of advanced diagnostic equipment that operates on small batteries in even remote locations.

“We believe the precision of antibody tests for infections can be improved dramatically. Our partnership with Brainchip is an important step for our development of point-of-care tests that are based on patented high-precision immunological markers,” said Dr. Samuel Lundin, CEO of Biotome. “We are very excited to explore how the cutting-edge Akida neural processor can improve the accuracy and information quality of the antibody-tests we are developing, by providing advanced AI capacity at the point of care. The joint project we are embarking on aims to use Akida to identify the antibodies that can protect against SARS- CoV-2 infection - the so-called neutralising antibodies. If the project is successful we will apply the same principles to other antibody tests in our pipeline.”

“The use of the Akida neuromorphic processor in antibody detection and other medical diagnostic tools is a testimony to our efforts to help in the development of beneficial Artificial Intelligence applications around our chip,” said Peter van der Made, Interim CEO of BrainChip Ltd. “Our focus is the Akida neuromorphic processor, and we are a silicon manufacturer, but we are assisting our clients in bringing advanced AI products to market.”


Related Links:
Brainchip Research Institute
Biotome Pty Ltd.