NeuroAI4Space
Procesador de Inteligencia Artificial Neuromórfica para Visión Artificial en aplicaciones aeroespaciales
(NeuroAI4Space)
NeuroAI4Space is a strategic cooperative project that will be carried out by the Universitat Politècnica de València, together with the companies Intigia and EMXYS and the University of Alicante, whose goal is to develop a new generation of neuromorphic artificial intelligence processors for small satellites, aircraft and drones devoted to Earth Observation. The initiative proposes a low‑cost, lightweight and low‑power processing board, based on radiation‑hardened commercial off‑the‑shelf (COTS) components and a heterogeneous architecture that combines RISC‑V processors with a neuromorphic chip specifically designed for the space environment.
The project addresses the growing demand for onboard artificial intelligence in satellites and aerospace platforms in order to reduce the volume of data sent to the ground, save energy and increase mission autonomy, particularly in the New Space context. Compared to solutions based on traditional deep learning, NeuroAI4Space relies on spiking neural networks (SNN), which enable much more energy‑efficient processing and offer higher intrinsic tolerance to radiation effects.
NeuroAI4Space operates at the cutting edge of neuromorphic processors and space electronics, in a context where there are hardly any commercial solutions that provide hardened neuromorphic IP cores or neuromorphic SBC boards ready for integration into space systems. Its main innovation lies in combining neuromorphic hardware, advanced hardware and software fault‑tolerance methodologies, and experimental validation through fault injection and radiation testing, with the aim of delivering the first European neuromorphic platform for space applications based on open technologies and free from export restrictions.
Beyond its technological impact, the project will strengthen the Valencian and Spanish aerospace ecosystem, generating new scientific and technical capabilities, technology‑transfer opportunities and potential for the creation of highly qualified jobs. The roadmap foresees evolving the demonstrator from intermediate technology readiness levels to a commercial product ready for real Earth Observation missions, contributing to a more sustainable use of space and a better response to emergencies and extreme weather events.
This work has been co-financed by the European Union within the framework of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Comunitat Valenciana 2021-2027 Programme, through the IVACE+i Innovation calls, “Strategic Cooperation Projects” (Reference INNEST/2025/339), Project ”Neuromorphic Artificial Intelligence Processor for Artificial Vision in aerospace applications” (NeuroAI4Space)
Este contrato está financiado por la Unión Europea en el marco del Programa Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER) Comunitat Valenciana 2021-2027, a través de las convocatorias de IVACE+i Innovación, “Proyectos Estratégicos en Cooperación“ (Referencia INNEST/2025/339), Proyecto “Procesador de Inteligencia Artificial Neuromórfica para Visión Artificial en aplicaciones aeroespaciales” (NeuroAI4Space).