Trying To Find IBM TrueNorth Processor Information

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of obtaining information and access to the IBM TrueNorth processor for a robotics project. Participants explore issues related to availability, costs, and the feasibility of starting a robotics company, as well as the importance of having a solid business plan and product development strategy.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration over the lack of response from IBM regarding the TrueNorth processor and questions how to obtain information and access.
  • Another participant suggests that IBM is currently only releasing the processor to university researchers, indicating a potential barrier for independent developers.
  • Some participants highlight the importance of having a clear business plan and product development strategy before pursuing venture capital financing.
  • There are suggestions to start with more accessible technology, such as a Raspberry Pi, to gain experience in robotics.
  • Concerns are raised about the viability of the original company name proposed by the OP, with some participants emphasizing the need for thorough research in planning a business.
  • One participant questions the OP's preparedness and suggests that the idea may lack practical grounding, while another acknowledges the OP's experience and long-term interest in robotics.
  • There is a comment about the potential obsolescence of the TrueNorth processor and advice to gain experience in the robotics field before launching a business.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of support and skepticism regarding the OP's plans. While some offer constructive advice, others challenge the feasibility and preparedness of the OP's approach. No consensus is reached on the best path forward.

Contextual Notes

Limitations in the discussion include uncertainty about the specific requirements for obtaining the TrueNorth processor, the OP's business plan details, and the overall feasibility of the proposed robotics project.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in robotics development, startup business planning, and those exploring advanced computing technologies like the IBM TrueNorth processor.

forex10
Messages
27
Reaction score
1
Hello,
It is my desire to build a functioning robot & start a company called Applied Robotics. I would like to use the IBM TrueNorth processor, however I am not able to get IBM to respond to my requests for info. They have even created a send in form but do not respond to it.

Does anyone know of a way to get around this? I know they are having production problems & the supply of these processors are limited, but it would be nice if they would at least respond. I fear that if I call them I would just get a run around. Also does anyone know what the costs are for a single processor?

Joel
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Unless you're affiliated with a reputable university or a person of note you're unlikely to get anywhere at this stage. Based on what I can find IBM is only releasing them to University researchers currently.
The joys of brand new technology :)
 
Sometimes with new hardware it's not just the availability and cost of the hardware that's the problem - its the cost of the associated support you will need.

Try writing a paper explaining what is unique about your project and why it's only possible using that particular processor. If you can get it published and it's a suitably worthy cause you might stand more of a chance.

PS. I suspect that company name has probably been taken already.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: cpscdave
forex10 said:
Hello,
It is my desire to build a functioning robot & start a company called Applied Robotics.
Obviously you did not do even the most trivial research to see if the company name is already used. It is.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: russ_watters, cpscdave and Averagesupernova
When I have some extra time I try to plan for creating an applications oriented robotics company. Not only have I searched for an advanced processor, it is even more important to find a functioning robotic arm. About the only arm I have found are prosthetic arms - which might be adapted for robotic use.

So I did overlook the name of the company. I am some what disappointed but it will not deter me from trying to seek out $20,000,000 in venture capital financing. With the right kind of promotion I believe This financing can be obtained. I will just have to find another name for the company.

Joel
 
On the list of things to be most concerned about, the company name shouldn't be very high. First you need a product or technology (patented or patent pending), then you need a business plan for how the business will make money. I'm going to venture a guess that you don't have any of that.

I don't want to sound rude, but at the same time feel like this needs like a shot of reality...it has the feel of a boyhood fantasy. May I ask what your age and level of education is?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
To the OP... I'd get started with a Raspberry Pi and some solenoids. Lots of fun and less than $50.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: russ_watters
forex10 said:
So I did overlook the name of the company. I am some what disappointed ...
The name of the company is not all that significant. What is MUCH more significant to me is that you didn't even bother to research such a trivial part of your plan. I agree w/ Russ. This appears to be poorly thought through with no concept of an actual business plan. Like Russ, I'm not trying to be mean or rude to you but simply to alert you to the fact that you don't seem to have really even begun to think this through.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: russ_watters
There are quite a few robotics companies with a proven track record. I think you will need to find a USP and prototype it using whatever you can get before looking for finding.
 
  • #10
To respond to some comments - I am 58 with 5 years of college. When I saw Westworld in 1974 I became a firm believer that robots would some day become widely used & manufactured. Despite the violent content of WW I also believe that robots will instead greatly help mankind. I have a preliminary business plan that I have used for Craigslist ads. I am just not devoting as much time as I would like to the project now because of continued success in the oil business. One final statement - due to the slow progress with the development of a functioning robots, I have over the years had much time to thoroughly consider the development of robotic systems.
 
  • #11

Similar threads

Does anyone here use the compiler for PIC processors from CCS?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
8K
100 Processors on a Single Chip
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
IBM vs NASA Internship: Help Me Choose!
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Optics for High Resolution Laser Imaging: Finding the Best Path
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Undergrad Looking for information on Verity SD100 monochromator unit
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
4K
High Frequency Servo shielding and grounding on robot?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
Brainwave Beats by Collin from MAKE: EEG Music Creation
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Asking For Information On Internships (I am interested in quantum information, solid-state, and many-body physics)
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
High School Quantum computer vs supercomputer performance
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Quantum Workforce Elements, Toolbox for QIS Programs at Universities
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K