Stimuli-Responsive Microscale Mechanical Logic

To overcome the operational limitations of conventional electronics, equivalent logic circuits composed of precisely fabricated mechanical systems have shown promise as a viable alternative. Here, we develop microscale, battery-free mechanical sensors in which stimuli-responsive materials are paired with micro-scale mechanical circuits to enable high mechanical computing power within a sensor system. We utilize additive manufacturing with micron-scale precision to fabricate structures that respond to thermal and chemical changes, and we perform computation by applying these stimuli. By integrating multiple stimuli-responsive actuators to mechanical logic gates, we demonstrate proof-of-concept computation of environmental cues in the microscale without electrical power. Our exploration of signal propagation dynamics in microscale mechanical logic circuits actuated by materials with different stimuli responsivity will accelerate the development of smart, active, and sentient materials that can interface with extreme environments and respond to external changes without needing batteries.
This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344 (LLNL-ABS-857307). Support from LDRD Exploratory Research 22-ERD-030 and LDRD Feasibility Study 24-FS-018 are gratefully acknowledged.