Classical and Quantum Physical Reservoir Computing for Onboard Artificial Intelligence Systems: A Perspective

Artificial intelligence (AI) systems of autonomous systems such as drones, robots and self-driving cars may consume up to 50% of the total power available onboard, thereby limiting the vehicle’s range of functions and considerably reducing the distance the vehicle can travel on a single charge. Next-generation onboard AI systems need an even higher power since they collect and process even larger amounts of data in real time. This problem cannot be solved using traditional computing devices since they become more and more power-consuming. In this review article, we discuss the perspectives on the development of onboard neuromorphic computers that mimic the operation of a biological brain using the nonlinear–dynamical properties of natural physical environments surrounding autonomous vehicles. Previous research also demonstrated that quantum neuromorphic processors (QNPs) can conduct computations with the efficiency of a standard computer while consuming less than 1% of the onboard battery power. Since QNPs are a semi-classical technology, their technical simplicity and low cost compared to quantum computers make them ideally suited for applications in autonomous AI systems. Providing a perspective on the future progress in unconventional physical reservoir computing and surveying the outcomes of more than 200 interdisciplinary research works, this article will be of interest to a broad readership, including both students and experts in the fields of physics, engineering, quantum technologies and computing.