Hardware for SOM

If the dimensionality of an application problem is not very high (say, a few dozen inputs and outputs at most) and computing need not be performed in real time, most ANN algorithms can be implemented by pure software, especially if contemporary workstation computers are available. However, especially in real-time pattern recognition or robotics applications one might need special co-processor boards or even “neurocomputers.” For really large problems, e.g. in the preprocessing stages for more complicated computer vision, special hardware networks may have to be developed. Such ANN circuits are sometimes necessary to miniaturize devices and make them cheap, for instance in medical applications or consumer electronics.