Nordic Semiconductor is diving deeper into the world of resource-constrained machine learning and artificial intelligence (ML and AI), or “tinyML,” at the edge — announcing the acquisition of Neuton.AI, a company specializing in sub-5kB machine learning models.
“This is a generational leap in embedded compute power and efficiency,” claims Nordic Semi president and chief executive officer of the company’s latest acquisition. “By uniting Nordic’s low-power wireless leadership with Neuton.AI’s cutting-edge tinyML platform, we empower developers to build a new class of always-on, AI-powered devices—faster, smaller, and more power-efficient than ever.”
The Neuton.AI team (pictured) is now a part of Nordic Semi, as the company seeks dominance in the tinyML market. (📷: Neuton.AI)
“We are proud to enable the powerful combination of Neuton’s advanced ML technology with the performance of Nordic’s ultra-low power nRF54 series, redefining what’s possible in ultra-efficient machine learning applications,” adds Oyvind Strom, executive vice-president for short-range at Nordic Semi. “Together, we’re enabling developers to build smarter, ultra-low-power devices that deliver true machine learning at the edge, not only for the nRF54 Series, but across the wide portfolio of all Nordic’s wireless connectivity SoCs [System-on-Chips]. Embedded AI will now become more accessible and scalable than ever. Neuton’s advanced ML technology enables effortless integration and trusted intelligence for next-generation edge AI devices.”
Neuton.AI, whose platform delivers ultra-compact machine-learning models typically below 5kB and sometimes below 1kB and compatible with eight-, 16-, and 32-bit microcontrollers, has pledged that its software will remain “free and open to all developers” post-acquisition, though with “a strong focus on deep optimization for Nordic’s products.” The company has also confirmed that its focus will be across the entire Nordic Semi portfolio, from the higher-end nRF54L series down to its most resource-constrained parts.
Neither company has disclosed financial terms of the deal, which is subject to the usual regulatory approvals and clearances. More information on the platform is available on the Neuton.AI website.