A network interface controller that does more than just the base OSI model protocols, notably in a programmable way.
Video 1. Hyperscalers Lead The Way To The Future With SmartNICs by The Next Platform (2019) Source.
Associated article: www.nextplatform.com/2019/10/31/hypercalers-lead-the-way-to-the-future-with-smartnics/ mentions that:
Google is widely believed to be working on its own design.