Mechanical Computer Relies on Kirigami Cubes, Not Electronics
Researchers at North Carolina State University created a mechanical computer based on kirigami, using polymer cubes for data storage. The system allows reversible data editing and offers potential in encryption and complex computing. Published in Science Advances, the study demonstrates high-density memory capabilities and envisions collaborations for coding and haptic systems.
Read original article
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a mechanical computer inspired by kirigami, using interconnected polymer cubes to store, retrieve, and erase data without electronics. The system allows for reversible data editing control and can convey more than binary information by adjusting the height of the cubes. The design is based on 1-centimeter plastic cubes connected with elastic tape, enabling users to manipulate data by pushing cubes up or down within interconnected units. The mechanical computer offers potential applications in mechanical encryption, decryption, and complex computing beyond binary code. The study, published in Science Advances, demonstrates the stable and high-density memory capabilities of these reprogrammable metastructures. The researchers envision collaborations to explore coding potential and the development of haptic systems for three-dimensional information display. The work was supported by the National Science Foundation, showcasing a novel approach to mechanical computing with promising future applications.
Related
Mechanical computer relies on kirigami cubes, not electronics
Researchers at North Carolina State University created a mechanical computer based on kirigami, using polymer cubes for data storage. The system offers reversible data editing and complex computing capabilities, with potential applications in encryption and data display.
A modern 8 bit design, built using 1950s thermionic valves
A modern 8-bit Valve.Computer, using 1950s valves, plays games like PONG and runs a 32-bit Fibonacci sequence. Built over 18 months, it integrates valves into a functional system, managed informally with colored pens. Despite challenges, the project was successful, with plans for art installation.
An Analog Network of Resistors Promises Machine Learning Without a Processor
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania created an analog resistor network for machine learning, offering energy efficiency and enhanced computational capabilities. The network, supervised by Arduino Due, shows promise in diverse tasks.
A Model of a Mind
The article presents a model for digital minds mimicking human behavior. It emphasizes data flow architecture, action understanding, sensory inputs, memory simulation, and learning enhancement through feedback, aiming to replicate human cognitive functions.
The Rubik's Cube Turns 50
The Rubik's Cube marked its 50th anniversary in San Francisco with inventor Erno Rubik discussing its origins and popularity. Mathematicians explore its complexity and mathematical properties, inspiring spin-off puzzles and educational uses.
11 commentsEdit: I am happy to report yes:
"Last, we explore the metastructure as simple mechanical logic gates. Figure 8 (C and D) demonstrates the achievement of both “OR” and “AND” logic gate operations by using independent bistability in local elements."
Is this trying to straddle the line between analog and digital computing? Because it sounds like they are describing a crippled analog computer system.
For anyone who's excited about mechanical computers, perhaps it is worth reminding that an electron is about a thousand times lighter than a nucleon. Therefore, it's probably fair to say that mechanical computers will always be more energy consuming than electronic ones, because they fundamentally need to move atoms around to operate.
Related
Mechanical computer relies on kirigami cubes, not electronics
Researchers at North Carolina State University created a mechanical computer based on kirigami, using polymer cubes for data storage. The system offers reversible data editing and complex computing capabilities, with potential applications in encryption and data display.
A modern 8 bit design, built using 1950s thermionic valves
A modern 8-bit Valve.Computer, using 1950s valves, plays games like PONG and runs a 32-bit Fibonacci sequence. Built over 18 months, it integrates valves into a functional system, managed informally with colored pens. Despite challenges, the project was successful, with plans for art installation.
An Analog Network of Resistors Promises Machine Learning Without a Processor
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania created an analog resistor network for machine learning, offering energy efficiency and enhanced computational capabilities. The network, supervised by Arduino Due, shows promise in diverse tasks.
A Model of a Mind
The article presents a model for digital minds mimicking human behavior. It emphasizes data flow architecture, action understanding, sensory inputs, memory simulation, and learning enhancement through feedback, aiming to replicate human cognitive functions.
The Rubik's Cube Turns 50
The Rubik's Cube marked its 50th anniversary in San Francisco with inventor Erno Rubik discussing its origins and popularity. Mathematicians explore its complexity and mathematical properties, inspiring spin-off puzzles and educational uses.