Semiconductor memory company GSI Technology has been awarded a $1.1 million Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract by AFWERX, the innovation arm of the US Air Force. The contract, known as Direct-to-Phase II, was granted to demonstrate the capabilities of GSI’s next-generation Associative Processing Unit-2 (APU2) in high-data computation and artificial intelligence (AI) applications.
Under the contract, GSI will develop an AI chip aimed at addressing a range of challenges faced by the Air Force, including in-aircraft search and rescue, object detection, moving target indication, change detection, and image navigation in GPS-denied situations. The company will also create algorithms using data from the United States Space Force (USSF) to showcase the performance benefits of its compute-in-memory APU2 integrated circuit (IC).
GSI Technology CEO Lee-Lean Shu commented on the significance of the APU2’s capabilities, stating that it is uniquely equipped to handle the Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) big data challenges. Shu emphasized how the APU2’s scalable design, compact size, and low power consumption make it an ideal solution for edge applications such as moving target indication and anomaly detection. These capabilities enable the Air Force to detect and respond to threats swiftly, thus bolstering national security and technological superiority.
The strategic partnership between GSI Technology and AFWERX marks a crucial step in advancing AI capabilities within the US Air Force. By harnessing GSI’s advanced semiconductor memory technology, the Air Force aims to enhance its mission capabilities through efficient real-time data management. Moreover, leveraging the APU2’s in-memory architecture will enable the Air Force to further develop AI algorithms tailored to specific defense use cases.
This collaboration also highlights the growing importance of AI in defense applications. As adversaries become increasingly sophisticated, incorporating AI technology in areas such as search and rescue, object detection, and image navigation becomes crucial for maintaining superiority in an evolving and complex threat landscape.
GSI Technology’s contract with AFWERX not only solidifies its position as a key player in the semiconductor memory market but also opens up significant growth opportunities within the defense sector. The development of the AI chip and algorithms will not only benefit the US Air Force but may also have broader appeal across industries requiring advanced computational capabilities.
By investing in cutting-edge technologies like AI and partnering with innovative companies like GSI Technology, the US Air Force continues to demonstrate its commitment to leveraging emerging technologies for national defense. With the support of AFWERX and the expertise of GSI Technology, the Air Force is poised to enhance its operational capabilities and maintain its technological edge in an increasingly complex world.
