Distributed online estimation of biophysical neural networks

Abstract: In this work, we propose a distributed adaptive observer for a class of nonlinear networked systems inspired by biophysical neural network models. Neural systems learn by adjusting intrinsic and synaptic weights in a distributed fashion, with neuronal membrane voltages carrying information from neighbouring neurons in the network. We show that this learning principle can be used to design an adaptive observer based on a decentralized learning rule that greatly reduces the number of observer states required for exponential convergence of parameter estimates. This novel design is relevant for biological, biomedical and neuromorphic applications.