Deep learning is the fastest growing area of machine learning. Deep learning uses convolutional neural networks to learn many levels of abstraction. The levels of abstractions range from simple concepts to complex, the more complex require more layers in your network. Each layer categorizes some kind of information, refines it and passes it along to the next. These many layers are what put the “deep” into deep learning.
Deep learning enables a machine to use this process to build a hierarchical representation. The first layer might look for simple edges. The next might look for collections of edges that form simple shapes like rectangles, or circles. The third might identify features like eyes and noses. After five or six layers, the neural network can put these features together. The result: a machine that can recognize faces.
GPUs are ideal for training neural networks, a process that could otherwise take months now just takes weeks or days. That’s because GPUs perform many calculations at once—or in parallel. And once a system is “trained” with GPUs, scientists and researchers can put that learning to work.
That work involves tasks once thought impossible. Speech recognition is one application. So is real-time voice translation from one language to another. Other researchers are building systems that analyze the sentiment in social media conversations.
We’ve just scratched the surface. That’s why researchers at top universities and startups worldwide are rushing to put deep learning to work. Check out all the deep learning talks presented at the GPU Technology 2015.