The Analog Thing: Analog Computing for the Future

As a different sort of analog computer, I have long been wondering about a “compiler” for fluidic logic that can output devices you could 3D print which would then operate on pneumatic or hydraulic signals. Probably entirely useless, but wouldn’t be affected by an EMP!

That idea was shamelessly inspired by the soft fluidic robot some years back.

> wouldn’t be affected by an EMP!

Even better, it would only be affected by relatively rare phenomena, such as vibration, temperature change, orientation and rotation.

Something like that is inside some automatic transmissions.

Sperry UNIVAC once built a 4-bit fluidic ALU as a demo, but it was useless.

> that can output devices you could 3D print

Make it analog all the way by hooking it up directly to a lathe or milling machine.

and leaks.