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Mechanical Computing

FTL writes "Tim Robinson has built a computer capable of solving polynomial equations -- using Meccano. His difference engine (mirror) uses a similar approach to Babbage's design. He's also created a differential analyzer (mirror) complete with a GUI. Both could be scaled up indefinitely to handle larger problems. 'Computing by steam' is possible."

3 of 149 comments (clear)

  1. Strange by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Strange. I thought Mechanical Computing was in the past

  2. Beautiful! by tyroneking · · Score: 4, Insightful

    No really - this is art...

  3. Re:Next project? by temojen · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I think perhaps a (finite) turing machine would be much easier. It would be simpler due to not needing random access memory.