MIT soft polymer becomes an artificial mechanical neuron
Text
A material's slow recovery supplies memory in a nanoscale device.
MIT researchers used a soft film's slow recovery after compression to mimic a neuron.
Voltage pulls electrodes together, squeezing the polymer. Earlier stimulation affects its later electrical response.
The device accumulates stimulation, responds at a threshold and relaxes. Material behavior supplies part of its memory and computation.
This is a device experiment, not a complete brain-inspired computer. Wearables remain a possible application.
Institutional account: MIT, September 16, 2026.
Share this article
What do you think of this story?
Anonymous feedback, up to 5 reactions per article.
Anonymous comments
Share your thoughts without signing in.
Discuss the technology and the story. Hate, politics and war, threats, abuse, personal accusations, sexual content, ads, links and personal information are not allowed.
No comments yet. Be the first to share.