MIT researchers create brain-inspired computing platform using soft polymers

MIT researchers developed a nanoscale computing device using soft PDMS polymer that mimics neurons: a polymer layer between metal electrodes compresses under voltage and gradually recovers, creating mechanical memory. The device combines memory, sensing and logic in one component, published in Science Advances.

• PDMS layer between electrodes acts as viscoelastic nanospring storing stress history
• Device accumulates charge to a threshold and fires like a biological neuron
• Memory, sensing and logic combined in one nanoscale component
• Applications: edge computing, prosthetics, wearable medical sensors