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University of Pennsylvania Launches New Supercomputer ‘Betty’

'Betty', the new supercomputer at the University of Pennsylvania, features advanced technology for AI research.

News Summary

The University of Pennsylvania has unveiled a new supercomputer named ‘Betty,’ designed to significantly enhance research capabilities with quadrupled computing capacity. Located in Collegeville, the supercomputer features cutting-edge technology from Nvidia and is tailored for sophisticated AI applications. Named in honor of pioneering computer scientist Frances Holberton, Betty aims to meet the growing demand for advanced computational power in research, enabling various studies including large-scale genomics and AI models. Moreover, the supercomputer is positioned to attract more grants and students amid increasing competition in the academic landscape.

Collegeville, Pennsylvania – University of Pennsylvania Unveils ‘Betty’ – A New Supercomputer with Quadrupled Computing Capacity

The University of Pennsylvania has launched a groundbreaking supercomputer named “Betty”, located 30 miles from its Philadelphia campus in Montgomery County. This new computing powerhouse is situated on the top floor of a brick data center operated by Flexential Corp in Collegeville. The introduction of Betty comes as part of a concerted effort to bolster the university’s research capabilities and enhance its position in the competitive landscape of academic institutions.

Betty boasts a state-of-the-art configuration including central processing units, a “SuperPOD” of graphics processing units, and advanced data storage, all provided by Nvidia. The firm, recognized as the world’s most valuable company, has seen a surge in demand for fast computing and AI technologies. Betty is specifically designed to run sophisticated AI models that adeptly search, analyze, and synthesize information from diverse data sources like videos, images, and texts. Notably, these models improve with each query, adapting to the needs expressed by researchers.

This impressive supercomputer has the computing capacity of four times that of its predecessor at Penn, with further expansion potential. However, this advanced technology comes with considerable energy requirements; Betty uses enough power to supply a village of 1,000 homes and generates noise levels surpassing those of a commercial jet during takeoff. This combination of power and noise underscores the complexity and capability of the supercomputer.

Significance of Naming

The choice to name the supercomputer Betty honors Frances “Betty” Holberton, a trailblazing computer scientist associated with the University of Pennsylvania. Holberton is renowned for her foundational contributions to the field of computer science, making the dedication particularly meaningful.

Timeline and Planning

Construction of Betty required less than a year following two years of planning involving collaboration among 12 colleges within the university. The opening of this supercomputer aligns with ongoing efforts by research institutions to attract both grants and students amidst rising competition.

Advancing Research Efforts

On July 11, university leaders and tech experts from various Penn colleges conducted a walkthrough of Betty, allowing them to explore its extensive capabilities. Scientists and students at Penn are already utilizing this advanced resource to enhance research projects, including large-language AI models as well as processing substantial video and image collections. Penn researchers are also applying Betty’s computational power in large-scale genomics studies, similar to the UK’s Hundred Thousand Genomes Project.

Data Center Location and Operations

The decision to position Betty outside of Philadelphia was influenced by existing electrical capacity constraints within the city. Establishing a data center in Philadelphia would necessitate creating a dedicated power plant. In contrast, the data center in Collegeville offers a robust infrastructure capable of sustaining significant power loads. Flexential, the operator of the facility, has backup generators and fuel reserves in place to guarantee that the data center remains operational during power disruptions.

Future Prospects

The introduction of Betty represents a pivotal step in the evolution of research capabilities at the University of Pennsylvania, making advanced computing resources more accessible to local researchers and minimizing dependence on external centers. Furthermore, there are aspirations to incorporate even more advanced technology within Betty’s framework in the future, including quantum computing and neuromorphic processes.

The establishment of Betty not only enhances the capabilities of Penn but also aligns with a broader trend where research universities position themselves as agile players in the fast-evolving arena of AI and technology. This move highlights an ongoing commitment to adapting to technological advancements and ensuring educational programs equip undergraduates with the necessary skills in AI and computing that were previously limited to more experienced professionals.