Energy-Efficient DNN Processor on Embedded Systems for Spontaneous Human-Robot Interaction

Recently, deep neural networks (DNNs) are actively used for action control so that an autonomous system, such as the robot, can perform human-like behaviors and operations. Unlike recognition tasks, the real-time operation is essential in action control, and it is too slow to use remote learning on a server communicating through a network. New learning techniques, such as reinforcement learning (RL), are needed to determine and select the correct robot behavior locally. In this paper, we propose an energy-efficient DNN processor with a LUT-based processing engine and near-zero skipper. A CNN-based facial emotion recognition and an RNN-based emotional dialogue generation model is integrated for natural HRI system and tested with the proposed processor. It supports 1b to 16b variable weight bit precision with and 57.6% and 28.5% lower energy consumption than conventional MAC arithmetic units for 1b and 16b weight precision. Also, the near-zero skipper reduces 36% of MAC operation and consumes 28% lower energy consumption for facial emotion recognition tasks. Implemented in 65nm CMOS process, the proposed processor occupies 1784×1784 um2 areas and dissipates 0.28 mW and 34.4 mW at 1fps and 30fps facial emotion recognition tasks.