Module 5: Research & Extensions¶

Duration: ~2.5 hours | Difficulty: Research

Overview¶

Module 5 prepares you for VSA research and development. You'll learn advanced techniques like Vector Function Architecture, how to build custom encoders for your domain, and explore the current research landscape with open problems and future directions.

What You'll Learn¶

Vector Function Architecture: Encode functions as hypervectors using RKHS
Custom Encoder Design: Build domain-specific encoders from scratch
Research Frontiers: Current directions in VSA research (learning, LLMs, neuromorphic hardware)
Open Problems: Theoretical and applied challenges in the field
Contributing: How to contribute to VSAX and the VSA community

Lessons¶

5.1: Vector Function Architecture ¶

Time: 50 minutes

Learn how to encode functions as hypervectors for function approximation, signal processing, and control.

Key concepts: RKHS representation \(f(x) = \langle \alpha, z^x \rangle\), function arithmetic, VFA vs neural networks

5.2: Building Custom Encoders ¶

Time: 60 minutes

Master the AbstractEncoder interface and design principles for creating domain-specific encoders.

Key concepts: Encoder design patterns, bind/bundle selection, validation strategies, publishing encoders

5.3: Research Frontiers & Open Problems ¶

Time: 45 minutes

Explore current research directions, open theoretical problems, and opportunities for contribution.

Key concepts: Learning-based VSA, VSA+LLMs, neuromorphic hardware, continual learning, interpretability

Research Projects¶

Project Templates: projects/ - Custom encoder template - Research experiment template - Literature review template

Design and prototype a research extension to VSAX for your domain.

Prerequisites¶

✅ Module 1-3: Foundational VSA knowledge ✅ Module 4 (recommended): Advanced techniques provide context ✅ Research mindset: Curiosity about open problems and pushing boundaries

Learning Outcomes¶

After Module 5, you will be able to:

[ ] Encode and manipulate functions using VFA
[ ] Design custom encoders for your domain
[ ] Implement encoders following VSAX conventions
[ ] Identify current research directions in VSA
[ ] Formulate your own research questions
[ ] Contribute to VSAX development

For Researchers¶

Module 5 is specifically designed for:

PhD students exploring VSA for their research
ML researchers investigating alternatives to deep learning
Neuroscientists modeling cognitive processes
Engineers building domain-specific VSA applications
Open source contributors wanting to extend VSAX

Course Complete!¶

After Module 5, you will have completed the entire VSAX course:

✅ 20 lessons covering foundations to research frontiers ✅ 12 hands-on exercises with practical implementations ✅ ~105,000 words of comprehensive content

You are now equipped to: - Build production VSA systems - Contribute to VSA research - Design custom solutions for your domain - Push the boundaries of hyperdimensional computing

Previous: Module 4: Advanced Techniques Next: Lesson 5.1: Vector Function Architecture or Course Completion Summary