MoE Layer Placement in Neural Networks for Lower Training Cost

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Solution Overview

Problem

Constructing a single monolithic neural network architecture that is appropriate for various sensor data scenarios is computationally expensive and inefficient, especially when integrating Mixture of Experts (MoE) functionality, which increases complexity and training costs.

Innovation Solution

Determine optimal layers for integrating MoE functionality by training surrogate layers in candidate neural network versions, using computationally cheaper approximations to identify where MoE integration is most beneficial, reducing training complexity and resource requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If MoE functionality is integrated into all layers of the neural network, then the model capacity and adaptability are improved, but the computational cost and training complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel capacityVSAvoidcomputational cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the neural network into distinct layers and selectively integrating MoE functionality into specific layers rather than all layers. This segmentation allows the system to capture the benefits of MoE (improved model capacity and adaptability) in layers where it is most beneficial, while avoiding the computational overhead in layers where it is less critical, thus resolving the contradiction between model capacity and computational cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If MoE functionality is integrated into the neural network, then the processing capability for diverse sensor data is improved, but the training time and resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidtraining time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making different layers have different structures - some layers incorporate MoE functionality while others use conventional architectures. This allows the network to have high processing capability in layers where MoE provides the most value (such as layers processing complex sensor data patterns), while maintaining faster training in layers where conventional structures suffice, thus resolving the contradiction between processing capability and training time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If a monolithic neural network architecture is used to handle all sensor data scenarios, then the coverage of different situations is improved, but the computational expense during inference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage of scenariosVSAvoidcomputational expense
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing a router mechanism that dynamically selects which expert networks to activate based on the input characteristics. This allows the network to adapt its computational resources to the specific scenario at hand - activating only the necessary experts for the current input rather than always using all components of a monolithic architecture, thus resolving the contradiction between scenario coverage and computational expense during inference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20260030501A1Optimizing mixture of experts, moe, integration into neural network architectures
Publication Date: 2026.01.29 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • US20260030501A1 patent drawing
  • US20260030501A1 patent drawing
  • US20260030501A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for determining, in a neural network that includes N layers and is configured for classification and/or regression of sensor data, optimal layer(s) for the integration of Mixture of Experts (MoE) functionality. The MoE functionality includes M distinct processing blocks and a router block that routes each input to one or more processing blocks for processing. The method includes: constructing candidate versions of the neural network in which one or more layers are replaced with surrogate layers; training, using training examples of sensor data, each candidate version; determining, using test and/or validation samples of sensor data for which respective ground truth outputs of the neural network are known, the accuracy with which the trained candidate version reproduces the ground truth outputs; and determining the layers that are replaced with surrogate layers in a candidate version with a best accuracy as optimal layers for the integration of MoE functionality.