Definition: spiking neural network

An artificial neural network (ANN) that is said to be more like the human neural system, on which today's AI systems are loosely modeled. Rather than each neuron sending out a continuous value, the neuron in a spiking neural network (SNN) fires only when it reaches a certain threshold. SNNs are used in robotics and complex pattern recognition applications. Neuromorphic hardware supports the spiking method (see neuromorphic computing.