Lumai Unveils Optical Computing System for Real-Time Billion-Parameter LLM Inference
Lumai has launched the Iris Nova server, the first optical computing system capable of real-time inference for billion-parameter LLMs. This innovation marks a significant advancement in AI infrastructure, providing a scalable and energy-efficient alternative to traditional silicon-based systems.
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Lumai's Iris Nova server, introduced on April 28, 2026, represents a breakthrough in optical computing, capable of running billion-parameter large language models in real-time. This server is part of the Lumai Iris family, which includes additional models like Aura and Tetra, aimed at hyperscalers, enterprises, and research institutions.
The optical compute system achieves up to 90% lower energy usage compared to conventional architectures, addressing the pressing need for efficient computing as global data center power demand is projected to double by 2030. The technology builds on years of research from the University of Oxford, leveraging light for increased operational efficiency and scalability.
As traditional silicon architectures reach physical limits, Lumai's optical approach presents a viable pathway for the future of AI computation, potentially transforming data center operations and supporting expansive AI deployment. This innovation may reshape industry landscapes by reducing energy costs and enhancing computational performance.
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