Perspective on unconventional computing using magnetic skyrmions

Learning and pattern recognition inevitably requires memory of previous events, a feature that conventional CMOS hardware needs to artificially simulate. Dynamical systems naturally provide the memory, complexity, and non-linearity needed for a plethora of novel computational approaches, including different unconventional computing approaches. In this perspective article, we focus on the unconventional computing concept of reservoir computing and provide an overview of key physical reservoir works reported. We focus on the promising platform of magnetic structures and in particular skyrmions, which potentially allow for low-power applications. We provide an outlook on the most important challenges in this field.