hysterons
HIS-tuh-ronz
Definition
Individual bistable mechanical units that exhibit hysteresis, meaning their current state depends on the history of forces previously applied to them.
Etymology
The term is derived from the Greek word 'hysteros', meaning 'later' or 'behind'. It was coined in scientific contexts to describe systems that lag behind the influence of a changing force.
In the news
In this article, researchers used hysterons as the fundamental building blocks of a mechanical computer, allowing the machine to store information and perform logic operations based on its physical state. They are essential here because they enable the system to 'remember' past inputs without requiring any electricity.
Scientists Built a Working Computer Out of Springs That Doesn't Use a Single Watt of Electricity
Read the full article ↗ZME Science