MEMS neuristor from Türkiye promises a year-long smartphone battery life

Researchers at the Middle East Technical University (METU) have unveiled a groundbreaking micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) neuristor device that could significantly extend the battery life of smartphones and improve the efficiency of artificial intelligence systems. The device, developed at METU’s ULTRAMEMS Research Laboratory, promises a transformative impact on global technology and energy consumption.

Baris Bayram, a professor of electrical engineering at METU, told Anadolu Agency that the MEMS neuristor device draws inspiration from the energy-efficient processes of the human brain. “The human brain consumes around 25 watts of energy,” Bayram said. “If we were to perform operations akin to the human brain with the most up-to-date processor, this would equal 25 megawatts, meaning more energy consumed.”

Unlike traditional computing systems, where information shuttles between memory and processor units, the MEMS neuristor integrates both components into a single structure, dramatically reducing energy use. Bayram explained that this innovation could enable smartphones to function for an entire year on a single charge by replacing traditional transistors with MEMS neuristors.

The project, supported by the Turkish Ministry of Industry and Technology, the Council of Higher Education (YOK), and Türkiye’s Scientific and Technological Research Council (Tubitak), has been under development for four years. It is now fully compatible with existing production processes, paving the way for adoption by major global tech companies.

A leap forward in AI and data security

The MEMS neuristor’s potential extends beyond consumer electronics. Bayram noted that AI systems, which rely heavily on energy-intensive transistor-based processors, could benefit from the technology. By eliminating the need for extensive cooling infrastructure in data centers, MEMS neuristors could mitigate environmental impacts and reduce energy consumption.

“For example, large data centers like Google’s often require installation in seas to address heating issues,” said Bayram. “With our MEMS neuristor, such systems could operate even in deserts without heating problems, contributing to climate change mitigation by reducing energy demands.”

Additionally, Bayram emphasized the device’s potential for enhancing data security. By enabling high-processing tasks to be performed locally on devices rather than relying on remote servers, MEMS neuristors could reduce data protection risks and improve privacy.

The research team aims to position Türkiye as a leader in neuromorphic processor technology. Plans are underway to present the MEMS neuristor to companies such as IBM, Nvidia, Amazon, and Google.

Berre Vize, a research assistant in METU’s electrical engineering department, highlighted the device’s potential to transform sectors such as healthcare, finance, and transportation. “Existing neuristor devices are not yet suitable for industrial use, but the MEMS neuristor we created meets the necessary requirements,” Vize said. “Although we are still at the beginning of the global neuromorphic processor revolution, we will work hard to contribute to Türkiye’s pioneering and leading position in the field.”

With its potential to enhance energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and secure data, the MEMS neuristor developed at METU marks a significant milestone in the evolution of technology. Researchers believe it could not only revolutionize daily device use but also reshape industries worldwide.