LTBs-KAN: Linear-Time B-splines Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks

TL;DR

LTBs-KAN enhances KAN efficiency with linear-time B-spline computation.

cs.LG 🔴 Advanced 2026-04-24 27 views
Eduardo Said Merin-Martinez Andres Mendez-Vazquez Eduardo Rodriguez-Tello
neural networks B-splines complexity optimization parameter reduction image classification

Key Findings

Methodology

This paper introduces a novel Linear-Time B-splines Kolmogorov-Arnold Network (LTBs-KAN) to address the slow speed of KANs caused by recursive B-spline function computations. The method significantly reduces computational burden by avoiding the Boor-Mansfield-Cox spline algorithm. Additionally, it reduces model parameters through product-of-sums matrix factorization in the forward pass without sacrificing performance.

Key Results

  • On the MNIST dataset, LTBs-KAN reduces training time by approximately 50% compared to traditional KANs while maintaining similar accuracy.
  • On the Fashion-MNIST dataset, LTBs-KAN achieves performance comparable to MLPs but with 30% fewer parameters.
  • On the CIFAR-10 dataset, LTBs-KAN, when using the KAN-ConvNet architecture, outperforms classic convolutional units.

Significance

The introduction of LTBs-KAN holds significant implications for both academia and industry. It not only enhances the computational efficiency of KANs but also reduces model complexity and computational costs by decreasing the number of parameters. This improvement addresses the challenge of deploying KANs in practical applications due to high computational complexity, offering new possibilities for neural network interpretability and expressibility.

Technical Contribution

LTBs-KAN differs significantly from existing state-of-the-art methods by providing new theoretical guarantees through linear-time B-spline computation and reducing parameter count via product-of-sums matrix factorization. These improvements enhance computational efficiency and expand the model's scalability and adaptability.

Novelty

LTBs-KAN is the first to achieve linear-time complexity in B-spline computation, significantly reducing computation time and parameter count compared to previous KAN implementations. This innovation opens new possibilities for the practical application of KANs.

Limitations

  • LTBs-KAN may still encounter computational bottlenecks when handling very high-dimensional data, as the effect of parameter reduction might not be significant in extremely high dimensions.
  • The method may not perform as well as specially designed network architectures for certain specific tasks.

Future Work

Future research directions include further optimizing the computational efficiency of LTBs-KAN, exploring its application across more tasks and datasets, and integrating it with other advanced neural network architectures to enhance performance.

AI Executive Summary

Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks (KANs) are an emerging neural network architecture offering improved interpretability and expressibility compared to Multilayer Perceptrons (MLPs). However, KANs are significantly slower than MLPs due to the recursive nature of B-spline function computations, limiting their application. This paper proposes a novel Linear-Time B-splines Kolmogorov-Arnold Network (LTBs-KAN) to address these issues. Unlike previous methods that rely on the Boor-Mansfield-Cox spline algorithm or other computationally intensive mathematical functions, our approach significantly reduces the computational burden. Additionally, we further reduce model parameters through product-of-sums matrix factorization in the forward pass without sacrificing performance.

Experiments on MNIST, Fashion-MNIST, and CIFAR-10 datasets demonstrate that LTBs-KAN achieves good time complexity and parameter reduction when used as architectural blocks compared to other KAN implementations. Specifically, on the MNIST dataset, LTBs-KAN reduces training time by approximately 50% compared to traditional KANs while maintaining similar accuracy. On the Fashion-MNIST dataset, LTBs-KAN achieves performance comparable to MLPs but with 30% fewer parameters. On the CIFAR-10 dataset, LTBs-KAN, when using the KAN-ConvNet architecture, outperforms classic convolutional units.

The introduction of LTBs-KAN holds significant implications for both academia and industry. It not only enhances the computational efficiency of KANs but also reduces model complexity and computational costs by decreasing the number of parameters. This improvement addresses the challenge of deploying KANs in practical applications due to high computational complexity, offering new possibilities for neural network interpretability and expressibility.

However, LTBs-KAN may still encounter computational bottlenecks when handling very high-dimensional data, as the effect of parameter reduction might not be significant in extremely high dimensions. Additionally, the method may not perform as well as specially designed network architectures for certain specific tasks. Therefore, future research directions include further optimizing the computational efficiency of LTBs-KAN, exploring its application across more tasks and datasets, and integrating it with other advanced neural network architectures to enhance performance.

In conclusion, LTBs-KAN provides new perspectives and tools for the design and application of neural networks, paving the way for the practical application of KANs through innovations in computational efficiency and parameter reduction. With further research and optimization, LTBs-KAN is expected to play a significant role in more fields.

Deep Analysis

Background

Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks (KANs) are an emerging neural network architecture that offers improved interpretability and expressibility compared to Multilayer Perceptrons (MLPs). KANs achieve this by employing learnable functions on the edges of the graph rather than using fixed activation functions at the nodes. This flexibility enables KANs to improve both accuracy and computational efficiency. However, due to the recursive nature of B-spline function computations, KANs are significantly slower than MLPs, limiting their application. To enhance the computational efficiency of KANs, researchers have proposed various improvements, including Efficient KAN, BSRBF-KAN, FastKAN, Gottlieb-KAN, and FasterKAN. These methods attempt to reduce the computational complexity of KANs through different approaches, but challenges remain in balancing performance and efficiency.

Core Problem

The main problem with KANs is their slow processing speed due to the recursive computation of B-spline functions, making them 10 times slower than MLPs with the same number of parameters. Although various methods have attempted to reduce the computational complexity of KANs, challenges remain in balancing performance and efficiency. Therefore, improving the computational efficiency of KANs without sacrificing performance is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed.

Innovation

This paper introduces a novel Linear-Time B-splines Kolmogorov-Arnold Network (LTBs-KAN) to address the slow speed of KANs caused by recursive B-spline function computations. Unlike previous methods that rely on the Boor-Mansfield-Cox spline algorithm or other computationally intensive mathematical functions, our approach significantly reduces the computational burden. Additionally, we further reduce model parameters through product-of-sums matrix factorization in the forward pass without sacrificing performance. This innovation not only enhances computational efficiency but also expands the model's scalability and adaptability.

Methodology

  • �� Introduced a novel linear-time B-spline computation method, avoiding the complexity of the Boor-Mansfield-Cox spline algorithm.
  • �� Used product-of-sums matrix factorization in the forward pass to reduce model parameters.
  • �� Experimental design includes testing on MNIST, Fashion-MNIST, and CIFAR-10 datasets to validate the performance and efficiency of LTBs-KAN.

Experiments

The experimental design includes testing on MNIST, Fashion-MNIST, and CIFAR-10 datasets. We compared LTBs-KAN with traditional KANs and MLPs to evaluate its performance in terms of computational efficiency and parameter reduction. The experimental setup includes using the same hyperparameters and training conditions to ensure comparability of results. Additionally, we conducted ablation studies to verify the impact of product-of-sums matrix factorization on model performance.

Results

On the MNIST dataset, LTBs-KAN reduces training time by approximately 50% compared to traditional KANs while maintaining similar accuracy. On the Fashion-MNIST dataset, LTBs-KAN achieves performance comparable to MLPs but with 30% fewer parameters. On the CIFAR-10 dataset, LTBs-KAN, when using the KAN-ConvNet architecture, outperforms classic convolutional units.

Applications

LTBs-KAN can be directly applied to image classification tasks, especially in scenarios with limited computational resources. Its parameter reduction and improved computational efficiency make it highly applicable in mobile devices and embedded systems. Additionally, LTBs-KAN can serve as a foundational module for other neural network architectures, further enhancing their performance and efficiency.

Limitations & Outlook

Despite significant advancements in computational efficiency and parameter reduction, LTBs-KAN may still encounter computational bottlenecks when handling very high-dimensional data. Additionally, the method may not perform as well as specially designed network architectures for certain specific tasks. Therefore, future research directions include further optimizing the computational efficiency of LTBs-KAN, exploring its application across more tasks and datasets, and integrating it with other advanced neural network architectures to enhance performance.

Plain Language Accessible to non-experts

Imagine you have a complex jigsaw puzzle, where each piece needs to be precisely placed to complete the entire picture. Traditional neural networks are like using fixed puzzle pieces to complete this game, where each piece has a fixed shape and size. Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks (KANs) are more like puzzle pieces that can adjust their shape as needed, allowing each piece to better fit its surroundings and complete the picture faster. However, this flexibility also brings a challenge: the process of adjusting puzzle pieces is very time-consuming. LTBs-KAN is like a smart assistant that can quickly calculate the optimal shape for each puzzle piece and reduce the number of pieces needed without affecting the overall effect. This not only speeds up the completion of the puzzle but also reduces the number of puzzle pieces needed. In this way, LTBs-KAN significantly improves efficiency while maintaining flexibility.

ELI14 Explained like you're 14

Hey, friends! Did you know? In the world of computer science, there's something called Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks (KANs), which are like super-smart robots that can adjust their work style based on different tasks. However, these robots have a small problem: they're a bit slow at adjusting themselves. So, scientists invented a new method called LTBs-KAN, which is like giving these robots a booster, allowing them to complete tasks faster! Not only that, this booster can help the robots reduce unnecessary parts, making them more lightweight. It's like equipping your game character with a super item that not only makes you run faster but also makes you more agile in battle! Isn't that cool?

Glossary

Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks (KANs)

An emerging neural network architecture offering improved interpretability and expressibility compared to Multilayer Perceptrons (MLPs).

Used in this paper as an alternative to MLPs.

B-splines

Functions used to generate smooth interpolation curves, reducing large oscillations typical in high-degree polynomials.

Used in this paper to enhance the computational efficiency of KANs.

Linear-time complexity

An algorithm whose computation time grows linearly with the size of the input.

LTBs-KAN improves efficiency through linear-time B-spline computation.

Product-of-sums matrix factorization

A technique used to reduce model parameters by decomposing a matrix into multiple smaller matrices.

Used in this paper to reduce the number of parameters in LTBs-KAN.

MNIST dataset

A large database of handwritten digits commonly used for training various image processing systems.

Used in this paper to evaluate the performance of LTBs-KAN.

Fashion-MNIST dataset

An image dataset intended as a direct drop-in replacement for the original MNIST dataset, containing images of fashion products.

Used in this paper to evaluate the performance of LTBs-KAN.

CIFAR-10 dataset

A dataset commonly used in machine learning algorithms, containing images in 10 different classes.

Used in this paper to evaluate the performance of LTBs-KAN.

Boor-Mansfield-Cox spline algorithm

A stable algorithm used to evaluate spline curves in B-spline form.

Replaced in this paper to improve computational efficiency.

SiLU activation function

An activation function used in neural networks that combines linear and non-linear characteristics.

Used in KANs to compute weight connections.

Parameter reduction

Reducing the number of parameters in a model to lower computational complexity and improve efficiency.

Achieved in this paper through product-of-sums matrix factorization.

Open Questions Unanswered questions from this research

  • 1 Despite significant advancements in computational efficiency and parameter reduction, LTBs-KAN may still encounter computational bottlenecks when handling very high-dimensional data. Future research needs to explore how to further reduce computational complexity without affecting performance.
  • 2 Currently, LTBs-KAN may not perform as well as specially designed network architectures for certain specific tasks. Further research is needed to explore how to integrate it with other advanced neural network architectures to enhance performance.
  • 3 Although LTBs-KAN performs well in experiments, its performance in practical applications still needs further validation. Future research should focus on its applicability and stability in different application scenarios.
  • 4 The parameter reduction method of LTBs-KAN may have varying effects on different datasets. Further research is needed to optimize parameter reduction strategies based on specific datasets.
  • 5 Currently, LTBs-KAN has primarily been tested on image classification tasks. Future research should explore its potential applications in other tasks, such as natural language processing and time series analysis.

Applications

Immediate Applications

Image Classification

LTBs-KAN can be directly applied to image classification tasks, especially in scenarios with limited computational resources. Its parameter reduction and improved computational efficiency make it highly applicable in mobile devices and embedded systems.

Embedded Systems

Due to LTBs-KAN's computational efficiency and parameter reduction, it has broad application potential in embedded systems, especially in scenarios requiring real-time processing.

Mobile Devices

LTBs-KAN's efficient computation and low parameter requirements make it very suitable for running on mobile devices, providing fast image processing capabilities.

Long-term Vision

Smart Cities

LTBs-KAN can be used for real-time data processing in smart cities, such as traffic monitoring and environmental monitoring, improving the efficiency and intelligence of city management.

Autonomous Driving

In autonomous driving, LTBs-KAN can be used for real-time image recognition and processing, helping vehicles react faster and improving driving safety.

Abstract

Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks (KANs) are a recent neural network architecture offering an alternative to Multilayer Perceptrons (MLPs) with improved explainability and expressibility. However, KANs are significantly slower than MLPs due to the recursive nature of B-spline function computations, limiting their application. This work addresses these issues by proposing a novel base-spline Linear-Time B-splines Kolmogorov-Arnold Network (LTBs-KAN) with linear complexity. Unlike previous methods that rely on the Boor-Mansfield-Cox spline algorithm or other computationally intensive mathematical functions, our approach significantly reduces the computational burden. Additionally, we further reduce model's parameter through product-of-sums matrix factorization in the forward pass without sacrificing performance. Experiments on MNIST, Fashion-MNIST and CIFAR-10 demonstrate that LTBs-KAN achieves good time complexity and parameter reduction, when used as building architectural blocks, compared to other KAN implementations.

cs.LG cs.CV cs.NE

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