Australian scientists designed a water-based computer with predictive capabilities
This Australian-developed computer showcases remarkable capabilities surpassing those of its digital counterparts
Ukrainian-born scientists Ivan Maksimov and Andrey Pototsky, based at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, have engineered a unique computer that harnesses water instead of a traditional processor. This groundbreaking system employs a technique called “reservoir computing” to predict future events.
To illustrate this concept, the scientists draw an analogy of two individuals by a pond. One individual randomly tosses stones of varying sizes into the water, while the other, drawing from past observations, predicts the patterns of waves created by different stones. Similarly, the computer forecasts the future through “reservoir computing,” using an analysis of historical data to anticipate forthcoming events.
Remarkably, the scientists assert that their analog design can outperform high-performance digital computers, delivering quicker and more precise results. They anticipate that such devices will find applications in climatology, sociology, the financial sector, and other fields where a nuanced understanding of probability is crucial.