Dynamic drives allow independent control of material bits for targeted memory

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Authors: Eduardo Gutierrez-Prieto, Colin M. Meulblok, Martin van Hecke, Pedro M. Reis
Cited by: 1
References: 42

Abstract

Mechanical metamaterials with bistable elements can store vast amounts of information, but writing these memories requires impractical local control or lengthy multicycle protocols. We overcome this limitation with a dynamic control strategy that accesses any configuration in a single global drive cycle by leveraging the system's sensitivity to the drive and its time derivatives. We realize this strategy with bistable beams on a rotating platform, where drive cycles become orbits in a control space of angular velocity and acceleration. State changes occur when these orbits cross switching thresholds, which we rationally design so that each state can be accessed by a single drive orbit. We construct a five-bit system and demonstrate its full addressability by selecting drive orbits that write all 26 uppercase letters of the alphabet in ASCII representation. This dynamic control paradigm offers a general route toward smart, remotely operated devices across various physical domains.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Advanced Materials and Mechanics Metamaterials and Metasurfaces Applications Nonlinear Dynamics and Pattern Formation

Publication details

Journal / source
Science Advances
Publisher
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Volume
12
Issue
19
Pages
eaec1606–eaec1606
Publication date
6 May 2026
Language
EN