A mechanical computer, Kirigami, was developed based on kirigami, requiring no electricity, with a complex configuration of data storage cubes.
Kirigami Computer
Innovative Design
State University Research Fellows North Carolina created a revolutionary mechanical computer based on the principles of kirigami - a combination of the arts of origami and paper cutting. The device consists of 64 interconnected cubes measuring just 1 cm, the geometric arrangement of which represents data. Information is manipulated by moving cubes up or down, changing the configuration of the entire structure. The number of connected modules can be increased, increasing the capacity and complexity of the system.
Working mechanism
The cubes inside the Kirigami computer are connected by thin elastic bands. When editing data, the user pulls on the edges of the structure, tightening the bands and shifting the position of the cubes. By releasing the structure, it commits the new configuration, similar to saving a file. The technology has a wide potential - from binary operations to the ability to represent 5 states (0, 1, 2, 3, 4) in perspective.
Development prospects
The Kirigami computer has almost limitless configuration options. Already in the simplest metastructure of 9 elements there are over 362 thousand possible combinations. Using all 64 cubes will allow you to exponentially increase the number of variations. Developer Jie Yin is exploring the idea of using such computers to perform a variety of unrelated tasks, from data encryption to tactile communication.
Advantages of Mechanical Architecture
Unlike its electronic counterparts, the Kirigami computer is not subject to the risks of electromagnetic pulses and remote hacking, as well as does not require power supply. Such devices can serve as backup data storage for government agencies, banks and corporations, providing protection against computer viruses and information theft. However, further development is required for practical application.
Glossary
- Kirigami is the art of creating complex three-dimensional shapes by cutting and folding material.
- North Carolina State University is a public research university in the United States.
- Jie Yin is an assistant professor at North Carolina State University and the developer of the Kirigami computer.
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Discussion of the topic – Kirigami mechanical computer: innovation without electricity
Researchers at North Carolina State University have created a unique mechanical computer, Kirigami, that runs without electricity using the principles of origami and 3D shape cutting.
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Алекс
Wow, this is a very interesting idea! A computer without electricity is truly revolutionary. 🤯 I can imagine how useful this could be in places where there is no stable power source. And if you add solar panels to it, it can work forever! 🌞
Софи
Yeah, I'm impressed too! Using origami to create a computer is simply genius. 💡 I love how they combined traditional art with advanced technology. This shows that innovation can come from unexpected places.
Франц
Hmm, that's interesting, but I'm not sure it's really practical. Manually rearranging cubes to enter data seems like such a tedious and slow process. 😩 I prefer the convenience of regular computers, even if they are less reliable.
Джон
Don't be such a skeptic, Franz! 😄 Remember this is just a prototype. I'm sure that over time they will be able to improve it and make it more convenient to use. In the meantime, this is just a stunning example of how we can think outside the box and find new solutions to old problems. 💪
Виктор
Phew, what a waste of time and resources! 😒 Why do we even need such stupid things when we already have reliable electronic computers? It's just another fancy thing that will never find practical use. It's better to spend your money on something useful!
Мария
Oh, Victor, don't be such a grump! 🙄 This development can be very useful, especially in emergency situations or in conditions where electricity is not available. It could also serve as the basis for more complex mechanical computing systems in the future. A little optimism won't hurt! 🌈
Джулия
I agree with Maria. Although it may seem useless now, we cannot predict how this technology will develop in the future. 🔭 Remember how people were once skeptical about the first computers, but now they are an integral part of our lives. Openness to new ideas is what is truly important for progress!
Пьер
I've heard that these computers are much more resistant to hacking and electromagnetic pulses than regular computers. 🛡️ Maybe they can be used to store important data or for military purposes? This can be a big advantage these days when cybersecurity is becoming an increasingly important issue.