# Neuromorphic Spikes Unify Control and Decision Making

- Show: [EE Times Current](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current)
- Published: 2026-02-06
- Length: 56m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2026-02-06-neuromorphic-spikes-unify-control-and-decision-making
- Listen: https://podcast.show/aspencore/episode/152052183/

## Summary

Professor Rodolphe Sepulchre of the University of Cambridge discusses his work applying control theory to neuromorphic engineering, arguing that building physical circuits is often more effective than simulating differential equations. He explains how mixed positive and negative feedback in neurons allows for the unification of discrete decision-making and continuous regulation, using examples like a pendulum and a simulated snake. Hosts Julia D'Angelo and Sunny Bains, along with Professor Ralph Etienne-Cummings from Johns Hopkins University, discuss the importance of embodiment, the resurgence of analog design, and the concept of 'sparsity shells' in efficient neuromorphic systems.

## Chapters

- [0:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2026-02-06-neuromorphic-spikes-unify-control-and-decision-making#t=3) Introduction and Guest Background
- [3:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2026-02-06-neuromorphic-spikes-unify-control-and-decision-making#t=209) Control Theory and the Plant-Controller Separation
- [6:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2026-02-06-neuromorphic-spikes-unify-control-and-decision-making#t=385) Neural Oscillators and Analog-to-Digital Behavior
- [10:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2026-02-06-neuromorphic-spikes-unify-control-and-decision-making#t=611) Pendulum Control and Event-Based Feedback
- [13:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2026-02-06-neuromorphic-spikes-unify-control-and-decision-making#t=784) Mixed Positive and Negative Feedback in Neurons
- [17:14](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2026-02-06-neuromorphic-spikes-unify-control-and-decision-making#t=1034) Simulated Snake Model and Central Pattern Generators
- [22:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2026-02-06-neuromorphic-spikes-unify-control-and-decision-making#t=1326) Hybrid Systems vs. Neuromorphic Intersection
- [33:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2026-02-06-neuromorphic-spikes-unify-control-and-decision-making#t=1995) Building vs. Simulating the Hodgkin-Huxley Neuron
- [38:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2026-02-06-neuromorphic-spikes-unify-control-and-decision-making#t=2308) Embodiment, Sparsity Shells, and Analog Renaissance

## Topics

- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- University of Cambridge (company)
- University College London (company)
- Johns Hopkins University (company)
- Czech Technical University in Prague (company)
- Brains and Machines (other)
- EE Times Current (other)
- Hodgkin-Huxley model (other)
- Mark Tilden (other)
- Steve Furber (other)
- Misha Mahowald (other)
- Kevin O'Connor (other)
- Barbara Webb (other)
- Chris Tomasi (other)
- Charlotte Frango (other)
- Sally Word Foxton (other)

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## Citing this page

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