Former Apple Luminary Chris Lattner Sets Out to Revolutionize GPU Software with Modular
In a bid to simplify the complex world of artificial intelligence (AI) chip development, Chris Lattner, a renowned expert in the field, has founded Modular, a software startup that aims to create a unifying layer for GPUs and CPUs. This move comes after Lattner's stint as Tesla's Autopilot chief, where he clashed with Elon Musk over AI development.
Lattner, who previously led Apple's developer tools team and was part of Google's AI infrastructure team, had been pondering the future of AI chip development. He realized that the software stack for these chips was dominated by a few big companies, making it difficult for developers to run their code across multiple platforms. Modular's solution is a unifying software layer that enables cloud businesses to optimize GPU and CPU performance.
"We're creating a new standard for AI chip development," Lattner said in an interview. "Our goal is to make it easy for developers to build apps that can run on any chip, without having to rewrite their code."
Modular's basic premise is that if a developer builds an app for one chip, they shouldn't have to jump through hoops to run it on another vendor's chip. The startup has developed a new coding language based on Python, which allows developers to use a single language to build AI apps that can run across multiple GPUs and CPUs.
Background
Lattner's vision for Modular began taking shape in 2022, when he founded the company with his former Google colleague Tim Davis. Since then, the startup has been working tirelessly to develop its unifying software layer and coding language.
Implications and Real-World Applications
Modular's technology has significant implications for the AI industry. With a unified software layer, developers can build apps that can run on any chip, without having to worry about compatibility issues. This will enable faster development and deployment of AI applications, which can be used in various industries such as healthcare, finance, and transportation.
Current Status and Next Developments
Modular is currently working with several major cloud businesses to test its software layer and coding language. The startup plans to release its technology publicly in the near future, allowing developers to start building apps that can run on any chip.
Lattner's vision for Modular is ambitious, but experts believe it has the potential to revolutionize the AI industry. "Modular's unifying software layer could be a game-changer for AI development," said Dr. Andrew Ng, founder of AI Fund and former chief scientist at Baidu. "It will enable developers to build apps that can run on any chip, without having to rewrite their code."
As Modular continues to develop its technology, the future of AI chip development looks brighter than ever. With Lattner at the helm, this startup is poised to make a significant impact on the industry.
*Reporting by Wired.*
