The RAMP (Real neurons-nanoelectronics Architecture with Memristive Plasticity) project has been funded by the EU under the Future and Emerging Technologies (FET) programme with more than EUR 2 million, between November 2013 and April 2017.

The project sets the way forward to the construction of effective and "intelligent" prostheses that can replace or at least assist damaged or degenerated neurons in rehabilitation trials. These new neuro-prostheses rely on a physical neural network that bridges natural and artificial neurons into a self-organised system. This bio-hybrid system is then able to evolve and adapt to input stimuli owing to intrinsic plasticity of the natural neurons and to the interplay with the artificial neurons.

The next step of the project will be the exploitation of the RAMP technology in vivo, thus connecting directly the brain with artificial neuronal networks. The new technology will also represent an invaluable 'test bed' to explore novel avenues in brain-inspired computing and its applications, e.g. leading to innovative intelligent autonomous systems.

Background

RAMP project is part of the Future and Emerging Technologies (FET) programme.

The research of human brain interacting with artificial networks may also play a key role on the development of new and innovative computing architectures, thus benefitting high performance computing research.

More information

More information on the project is available on CORDIS :

An interview with Stefano Vassanelli, RAMP project coordinator on the importance of EU funding for researchers who aim to bring their innovations to European citizens is also available to learn more on RAMP project.