Mechanical Computing Systems Using Only Links and Rotary Joints

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.