It’s no secret that there has been a major shortage in random access memory (RAM) chips and other computer parts since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. This scarcity, however, has bred some impressive innovations across the industry. In fact, researchers at the University of California Riverside (UCR) have recently announced the development of the first pneumatic RAM chip. This new technology could have significant implications for technology – not just now but also in the future.
More About the Pneumatic RAM Chip
To understand how a pneumatic RAM chip works, it is first important to know how a “traditional” RAM chip operates. The main difference is that the pneumatic chip utilizes air rather than relying on transistors and electricity to create binary gates like a traditional RAM chip. According to a TechSpot article, a pneumatic CPU “interprets the presence of atmospheric pressure in microfluidic valves as a true value (or 1) and a vacuum as false (or zero).”
The result? A computer chip that can control a robot precisely enough to make it play songs on a piano.
Short- and Long-Term Implications for Computer Technology
This new computer chip has many potential implications for technology, both now and in the future. In the short term, some speculate that these new computer chips may help alleviate some of the RAM shortages that we have seen across the globe due to the pandemic. However, it is worth noting that this technology is very much in its early stages. Still, these chips may eventually be used to run regular desktop computers and other machines.
Down the road, researchers also believe that this technology will be used to create autonomous robots with memory and processors that literally run on air. How impressive would that be? Only time will tell what the future of RAM looks like, but this new advancement certainly makes things seem more promising than ever. Perhaps this technology will even be incorporated into dedicated servers down the road!
Stay Up-to-Speed on the Latest Technology With a Dedicated Server
At ReliableSite, we believe in staying up-to-date on all of the latest technology and innovations within the computing industry and beyond. If and when pneumatic RAM becomes available for use on our dedicated servers, we will assess whether this technology may better serve our customers. If so, we strive to be among the first to implement it.
If you’re looking for a dedicated server host that will allow you to stay on top of the latest advancements in the industry, you can rest assured that ReliableSite has you covered. With our dedicated hosting plans, you’ll always have access to the best hardware. This includes not just RAM but also processors, hard drives, and everything in between.
Ready to learn more about what our dedicated hosting plans have to offer? Contact us today to speak to a member of our team and find the best option for your needs!