The Jacquard loom revolutionized the weaving industry by automating the creation of intricate patterns using punched cards. This invention not only transformed textile production, but also served as an inspiration for the development of the first scalable computers. Over time, mechanical components in computing systems have been largely replaced by electrical systems. However, the future of computing may see a return to its mechanical roots through highly integrated MEMS and NEMS devices.
MEMS & NEMS
MEMS (Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems) and NEMS (Nano Electro-Mechanical Systems) leverage semiconductor production processes and microfabrication methods to integrate mechanical elements such as springs, gears, and resonators with electrical sensing and control. This integration enables high-density and cost-effective solutions.
While MEMS are already widely used in smartphones for inertial measurement and in projectors for light control, they are also being explored for computing applications. MEMS can provide resonators for reservoir computing, switches or modulators for photonic and high-frequency signals, and even combine computation with mechanical actuators in the form of “MEMS dust” robots. Mechanical computational elements offer advantages such as high resistance to heat and radiation, as well as low power consumption. However, they are sensitive to vibration and gravity and tend to be larger compared to CMOS devices.