A Neural Processing Unit (NPU) is a specialized processor designed to accelerate artificial intelligence and machine learning workloads. It is optimized for the mathematical operations commonly used by neural networks, allowing tasks such as image recognition, speech processing, and generative AI to run efficiently while reducing the workload placed on the CPU or GPU.
For example, a smartphone with an NPU can process camera effects, facial recognition, voice commands, or AI-powered image enhancements directly on the device. Because NPUs are designed for efficient neural-network computation, they can provide fast AI processing while using relatively little power. NPUs are increasingly found in smartphones, laptops, edge devices, cameras, automotive systems, and other AI-enabled hardware.
