{"id":348,"date":"2023-01-13T12:31:03","date_gmt":"2023-01-13T17:31:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/research-multi-dev.utk.edu\/energy-dev\/?page_id=348"},"modified":"2026-06-17T11:40:51","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T15:40:51","slug":"fundamentals-of-ai","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/research-areas\/fundamentals-of-ai\/","title":{"rendered":"Fundamentals of AI"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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fundamentals of ai<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Developing the components that make AI intelligent and impactful<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

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The benefits AI provides to industrial and personal applications<\/a> are the proverbial tip of the iceberg. The future of AI is much bigger\u2014and UT researchers are pursuing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape that future as they develop fundamental computing theories, hardware, statistical models, and machine learning algorithms that drive AI\u2019s capabilities.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through interdisciplinary collaboration, we\u2019re closing the gap between human and artificial intelligence, advancing neuromorphic and quantum computing, and increasing the efficiency and trustworthiness of AI. Together, we\u2019re preparing AI to be used in new ways to achieve our shared goal: making life and lives better. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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UT’s Approach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At UT, researchers are reinventing computing as the engine for the next wave of AI breakthroughs. From advancing quantum architectures that tackle complex optimization problems to pioneering neuromorphic computing inspired by the human brain, they are pushing the boundaries of what machines can learn and do. Members of UT\u2019s foundational AI faculty cluster are tackling core challenges while building the mathematical frameworks that accelerate discovery in areas such as materials, health, energy, and life sciences. The impact is tangible: new algorithms that stage cancer more efficiently, socially assistive robots that support dementia care, and AI-driven tools that improve agricultural productivity. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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UT has one of the largest neuromorphic computing research efforts in the US, and we\u2019re one of the only \u2018full stack\u2019 teams. Our team designs everything: materials, hardware, new AI algorithms, all the way up to the connections to specific applications. This means our new AI concepts inform the hardware, and the hardware we develop helps us innovate new AI concepts.\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Catherine Schuman, Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Highlights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Schuman, TENNLab, and UT Research Foundation\u2019s Breakthroughs in Neuromorphic Computing<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The TENNLab Neuromorphic Computing Research Group has pioneered spiking neural network architectures and patented multiple brain-inspired computing solutions. Catherine Schuman is part of a $4 million National Science Foundation grant to increase access to neuromorphic technology.

Learn more about advances in neuromorphic computing.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Making AI Sleep More Like Humans<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Garrett Rose brings neuromorphic computing expertise to an interdisciplinary team that was awarded a $2 million National Science Foundation grant to bridge the gap between human brain processing efficiency and the limitations of current AI models. 

Learn about this research.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Leading Foundational AI Collaboration Through Faculty Cluster Initiatives<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Faculty cluster hiring initiatives are building UT\u2019s AI expertise and infrastructure for transdisciplinary collaboration. All seven clusters integrate AI, and one\u2014the foundational AI cluster\u2014is dedicated to closing the gap between human and artificial intelligence with solutions inspired by neuroscience.\u202f 

Learn about computer science faculty in this cluster.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Laying the Foundations for Quantum Computing<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rebekah Herrman\u2019s research in quantum algorithms demonstrates how quantum computers could change the world\u2014including accelerating AI. She and her colleagues are working on mathematical proofs that help guide further research on quantum computing hardware.  

Learn about quantum computing research.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Facilities & Initiatives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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UT researchers study, develop, and refine the building blocks of AI in state-of-the-art facilities on and off campus. Centers and research groups receive support from and partner with organizations such as the National Science Foundation, the US Department of Energy, and the Air Force Research Laboratory. <\/p>\n\n\n\n