New mechanical transistors enable environmentally adaptive and electricity-free computing

In the field of computing, the electronic transistor has long been the dominant technology. Since its invention in 1947, this tiny device has become the foundation of modern electronics, enabling the digital revolution that has transformed nearly every aspect of our lives. However, despite its ubiquity and unparalleled success, the electronic transistor has its limitations. High power consumption, vulnerability to extreme environmental conditions, and a lack of direct interaction with external stimuli such as heat, force, and pressure have motivated researchers to explore alternative approaches to computation.