Trying To Find IBM TrueNorth Processor Information

[forex10]

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

 

[cpscdave]

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 :)

 

[CWatters]

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.

 

[phinds]

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.

 

[forex10]

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

 

[russ_watters]

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?

 

[analogdesign]

To the OP... I'd get started with a Raspberry Pi and some solenoids. Lots of fun and less than $50.

 

[phinds]

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.

 

[CWatters]

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.

 

[forex10]

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.

 

[jim hardy]

Well IBM sure missed their chance, didn't they ?
meh - it'll be obsolete in a year anyway.

In your shoes i'd look for a job with a company in robotics business. Spend a few years learning the tricks of the trade and jargon .

These folks, CAE , built my power plant simulator
http://www.mapps.l-3com.com/datasheets/MOTS_paper.pdf

and the guys there were proud of their contributions to the Shuttle robot arm "Canadarm"
http://www.space.com/20949-space-shuttle-canadarm-museum-exhibit.html