The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has taken another bold step forward with LG announcing that the company has developed its own artificial intelligence chip (AI) chip. The chip is powered by  LG’s proprietary  Neural Engine, which, according to the company, can better mimic the neural network of the human brain to greatly improve the processing of deep learning algorithms.

Furthermore, the AI Chip incorporates visual intelligence to better recognise and distinguish space, location, objects and users while voice intelligence accurately recognises voice and noise characteristics. On top of this, product intelligence enhances the capabilities of the device by detecting physical and chemical changes in the environment. The chip also makes it possible to implement customised AI services by processing and learning from video and audio data in order to enhance recognition of the user’s emotions and behaviors and the situational context.

The company elaborated that products utilising the LG AI Chip take advantage of the On-Device AI to operate even without a network connection. If AI moving forward at record speed gives you goosebumps, given the cybersecurity risks that are a fact of living in the digital era, then you can take heart – the company also noted that its  LG’s AI Chip employs a powerful security engine to better protect personal data from external hacking. More specifically, processing that does not require high security is designed to run in a general zone and jobs that require higher security run in a separate hardware-implemented security zone.

More technically speaking, LG explained that its AI Chip is designed to enhance the recognition performance in the products it powers such as an advanced image recognition engine for simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM). For example, powerful image processing function is set to corrects for distortion caused by wide angle lenses and generates brighter and clearer images in dark environments. 

Anyone named Sarah Connor need not start changing their name just yet - the company plans to include the new AI Chip in future robot vacuum cleaners, washing machines, refrigerators and air conditioners. In addition, LG reaffirmed that it will expand the reach of its artificial intelligence solutions through collaborations with outside companies, universities and research laboratories.

“Our AI C​hip is designed to provide optimised artificial intelligence solutions for future LG products,” said I.P. Park, president and CTO of LG Electronics. “This will further enhance the three key pillars of our artificial intelligence strategy – evolve, connect and open – and provide customers with an improved experience for a better life.”