The Vienna University of Technology has reported an image sensor with an integrated artificial neural network (ANN) capable of learning and classifying images within nanoseconds.

The image sensor can simultaneously capture and process images, making object recognition many orders of magnitude faster. The device does not consume any electrical power when it is operating, since the photons themselves provide the energy for the electric current.

The sensor is complemented by an ANN, a man-made system inspired by our brain. In an ANN, artificial neurons are fed data and cooperate to tackle a problem. In this case, recognising an image.