Researchers at the University of Michigan have invented a microprocessor that runs on air–that’s right, air! It runs without an electrical power source using pneumatic valves and a hand pump that pushes air through the system. The CPU may revolutionize the field of computers and may in fact make computing available to everyone even in developing and underdeveloped countries where electricity is scarce.
The microprocessor was designed by Minsoung Rhee and Mark Burns. The microprocessor reads 0s and 1s as air goes in and out of the pneumatic valves. The valves are regulated by altering the air pressure in the chamber below the flowing air, which closes the valve when full. Using this system, the researchers succeeded in creating a 8-bit system of logic gates and shift registers. This microprocessor is more mechanical than electronic.
In the future, microprocessors such as this may find applications in space exploration and defense. Since the microprocessor is mechanical, it won’t be affected by electromagnetic pulses (EMP) which can be expected in the case of a nuclear explosion. For this reason, the military may employ similar devices in the future at least as a backup.
[ More Information @New Scientist ]