Mechanical Computing Systems Using Only Links and Rotary Joints

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel mechanical computing model using only links and rotary joints, capable of Turing-complete computation, with potential advantages in microfabrication and energy efficiency at molecular scales.

Contribution

It presents a new minimalistic mechanical computing framework based on links and rotary joints, enabling Turing-complete systems with simpler design and potential for microfabrication.

Findings

The model is theoretically capable of universal computation.

Simulations suggest high energy efficiency at molecular scales.

Potential for microfabrication due to mechanical simplicity.

Abstract

A new model for mechanical computing is demonstrated that requires only two basic parts: links and rotary joints. These basic parts are combined into two main higher level structures: locks and balances, which suffice to create all necessary combinatorial and sequential logic required for a Turing-complete computational system. While working systems have yet to be implemented using this new approach, the mechanical simplicity of the systems described may lend themselves better to, e.g., microfabrication, than previous mechanical computing designs. Additionally, simulations indicate that if molecular-scale implementations could be realized, they would be far more energy-efficient than conventional electronic computers.