University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed cognitive mechanical metamaterials, which can perform digital computation and digital data storage.
Description
Cognitive mechanical metamaterial systems are a new class of electronic materials that can use their constituent components to sense external stimuli, self-power and process information. Thus, they can establish a direct interaction mechanism between the external environment and electronics to create a sense-decide-respond loop. Unlike traditional electrically-controlled logic units, cognitive metamaterial systems have the potential to achieve full autonomy through their built-in self-powering mechanoelectrical-logic. These electronic metamaterials can perform binary/ternary computations and realize digital logic gates. They can complement semiconductor electronics by overcoming some of their limitations (e.g. unstable performance and failure in extreme environments), while maintaining their designed logical functions.
Applications
• Digital computer and data storage
Advantages
This invention has the potential to lead to a new class of mechanical metamaterial computers with metamaterial-inspired circuitry, opening doors for various applications in digital electronics. They can be mechanically tuned to survive under extreme loads and harsh environments (e.g. high pressure, high/low temperature and radiation exposure) using their core mechanical metamaterial functionality. Additionally, this cognitive metamaterial system is sustainable and could serve as a solution for electronic waste with self-contained electronic systems composed of natural and eco-friendly materials.
Invention Readiness
This invention is at the prototype stage.
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/US20220209686A1
https://patents.google.com/patent/US20230325614A1
