Affordable Innovation: Pragmatic Semiconductor’s Flex-RV Chip Revolutionizes Flexible Computing for Under a Dollar
Pragmatic Semiconductor, a Cambridge-based company, has introduced the Flex-RV, a groundbreaking RISC-V processor that is fully functional while bent and costs less than a dollar to produce. This 32-bit microprocessor, showcased through a blog post, video, and a published Nature paper, demonstrates its impressive machine learning capabilities and potential for real-world applications, especially in cost-sensitive sectors.
In a demonstration, the Flex-RV was wrapped around a pencil, proving its resilience under various bending scenarios while executing tasks without interruptions. This processor, less than 80µm thick, is a significant improvement in both flexibility and cost-efficiency, making it a game-changer for emerging technologies such as wearables and disposable healthcare devices.
The chip incorporates programmable ML hardware acceleration alongside the open-source Servant RISC-V CPU, enhancing its potential for a range of applications. However, while the Flex-RV’s technical specifications—such as 12,600 logic gates and a clock speed of up to 60 kHz—may not be revolutionary, its affordability and versatility offer exciting possibilities for industries looking to democratize access to computing.
In collaboration with Qamcom and Harvard researchers, Pragmatic Semiconductor aims to pave the way for ultra-low-cost flexible processors, with a vision of transforming sectors like FMCG, wearables, and healthcare, further emphasizing the importance of cost-effective computing solutions.
