Siemens tech selected by RIKEN for AI device research

Siemens Digital Industries Software has been selected by Japan's national research agency, RIKEN, to advance its research on next-generation AI devices through the use of Siemens' emulation and High-Level Synthesis (HLS) platforms.

RIKEN, renowned for its developments of the K computer and supercomputer Fugaku, will utilise Siemens' Veloce Strato CS emulation and Catapult HLS platforms. These technologies will aid in conducting architecture and design space exploration of AI accelerator devices.

"RIKEN's adoption of Siemens' emulation and HLS capabilities enables the team to conduct the necessary explorations during our research into next-generation AI devices for 'AI for Science' and maintain our position as the creators of the world's most powerful supercomputer," stated Dr. Kentaro Sano, Team Leader of the Processor Research Team at the Center for Computational Science, RIKEN. "Our goal is the establishment, management, and continuous enhancement of the computational infrastructure essential for the creation of generative AI models tailored for scientific discoveries – and Siemens' tools play an essential role in this research."

Dr. Sano emphasised the importance of Siemens' platforms in enhancing RIKEN's capabilities, which aligns with their aim to bolster computational infrastructure crucial for generative AI models that support scientific discoveries. This initiative reflects RIKEN's commitment to maintaining a leading edge in computational science.

Jean-Marie Brunet, Vice President and General Manager, Hardware-Assisted Verification at Siemens Digital Industries Software remarked, "We are delighted to support RIKEN's groundbreaking research on AI devices. Our latest Veloce Strato CS and Catapult HLS platforms provide RIKEN with the comprehensive tools to achieve their research goals and drive innovation in the field of AI."

Yukio Tsuchida, Vice President for Japan, Electronic Design Automation at Siemens Digital Industries Software, expressed similar sentiments, stating, "Siemens is incredibly proud to support the cutting edge research and development taking place at RIKEN, and we look forward to supporting the organization as it works to achieve its goals to explore the outer boundaries of what's achievable when bringing the power of AI to scientific research at vast scale."

Siemens' hardware-based Veloce Strato CS and Catapult HLS platforms offer advanced technology solutions that enhance the rapid synthesis and emulation capabilities for large-scale Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). This, in turn, assists RIKEN in evaluating the performance of optimized AI computing circuits and the system-on-chips (SoCs) that integrate these circuits.

The AI accelerator developed through this research is expected to be a candidate for implementation in the generation of supercomputers following Fugaku, anticipated to commence operation by 2030 at the latest.