Advancing neuroengineering with Neuromorphic Twins.

Abstract

Neuromorphic engineering, originally focused on replicating the biophysics of neurons and synapses in hardware, has progressively expanded to explore novel computational principles, materials, and applications. With their unique ability to emulate brain functions, neuromorphic devices are emerging as prime candidates to advance the treatment of brain disorders, addressing the current limitations of electroceutical-based strategies, particularly their lack of flexibility and personalization. In this Perspective, we introduce and elaborate on the concept of the 'Neuromorphic Twin' and explain why this emerging technology is both timely and relevant. By integrating Digital Twin approaches for modelling the brain's functions with neuromorphic engineering, Neuromorphic Twins offer the potential to address major challenges, such as dealing with brain complexity in real-time, enabling adaptive and personalized interventions, and tracking the progression of neurological diseases over time. Moreover, they can be embedded in low-power devices, thus marking a transformative shift in biomedical interventions and promising to open new frontiers for neuroengineering and brain repair.