Google has introduced the Coral NPU, a full-stack, open-source RISC-V-based platform for always-on AI on low-power edge devices and wearables.
The first chip to integrate the Coral NPU is the Synaptics Astra SL2610 family, aiming to address software fragmentation on entry-level AI accelerators.
By releasing an open-source NPU and associated source code, Google hopes its design will be adopted by silicon vendors, reduce software fragmentation over time, and help machine learning (ML) developers bring products to market faster.
Author's summary: Google's Coral NPU simplifies AI on edge devices.