# Reservoir Computation with Networks of Differentiating Neuron Ring Oscillators

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2507.21377 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2507.21377/

## Key facts

- No citing papers in the map yet (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 7 of its 40 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 28 Jul 2025.

## Builds on (most cited first, 7 of 7)

- [EMNIST: an extension of MNIST to handwritten letters](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1702.05373/) (2017)
- [Echo state networks are universal](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1806.00797/) (2018)
- [Small-World Brain Networks Revisited](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1608.05665/) (2016)
- [Traveling Waves Encode the Recent Past and Enhance Sequence Learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2309.08045/) (2023)
- [Hidden Traveling Waves bind Working Memory Variables in Recurrent Neural Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2402.10163/) (2024)
- [Critical Neuromorphic Computing based on Explosive Synchronization](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1810.10944/) (2018)
- [Transient Dynamics in Lattices of Differentiating Ring Oscillators](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2506.07253/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Reservoir Computing is a machine learning approach that uses the rich repertoire of complex system dynamics for function approximation. Current approaches to reservoir computing use a network of coupled integrating neurons that require a steady current to maintain activity. Here, we introduce a small world graph of differentiating neurons that are active only when there are changes in input as an alternative to integrating neurons as a reservoir computing substrate. We find the coupling strength and network topology that enable these small world networks to function as an effective reservoir. We demonstrate the efficacy of these networks in the MNIST digit recognition task, achieving comparable performance of 90.65% to existing reservoir computing approaches. The findings suggest that differentiating neurons can be a potential alternative to integrating neurons and can provide a sustainable future alternative for power-hungry AI applications.