Rubber Structures with Smart Computing Abilities

In the realm of electronics, digital bits are the fundamental building blocks used for intricate calculations, typically processed through complex circuits comprising numerous elements. However, a group of innovative researchers has recently introduced a groundbreaking alternative approach to computation. They have harnessed slender rubber elements as mechanical bits and integrated them into a unique 'metamaterial' configuration. The key revelation in this novel methodology lies in the meticulous control of interactions between individual rubber bits.

One remarkable creation by the research team is a rubber computer functioning as a two-bit binary counter. In a captivating demonstration captured in a video, the metamaterial is shown to incrementally count from '00' to '11' when stretched, and seamlessly revert to '00' upon release. This ingenious system utilizes pre-curved rubber beams as mechanical bits, with their interactions facilitated through strategic connections. This setup enables the storage and processing of information, showcasing the metamaterial's potential in practical applications such as controlling the movement of a basic robotic system.

Researcher Jingran Liu reflects on a pivotal breakthrough during the challenging period of the pandemic, emphasizing the development of a more intricate three-bit system. Within a remarkably short timeframe, the team successfully produced four operational samples of the three-bit metamaterial. The enhanced computational capabilities of these three-bit structures surpassed their two-bit predecessors significantly. AMOLF postdoc Lishuai Jin elaborates on the versatility of these metamaterials, highlighting their capacity to execute seventeen distinct basic calculations based on specific manipulations.

One fascinating application of the metamaterials is their ability to replicate the functionality of a turnstile, a mechanism commonly used for managing entry by rotating arms in response to external stimuli. Jin explains how the rubber computer can mimic this process through a sequence of states and driving pulses. Beyond emulating a turnstile, the metamaterials exhibit potential for diverse applications such as combination locks, vending machines, and more, showcasing the versatility and adaptability of this innovative computing paradigm.

Liu underscores the transformative nature of their work, emphasizing the departure from conventional computing methods. The utilization of smart metamaterials for complex computations represents a paradigm shift in the field, offering a fresh perspective on efficient computing. The team's findings not only demonstrate the potential of mechanical principles in computation but also open up new avenues for leveraging complex memory effects for practical applications, heralding a new era in computational technology.