Researchers at the University of Exeter in England have demonstrated simultaneous information processing and storage capabilities using phase-change materials, which could be used to create brain like computers.

The study will increase the understanding in information processing and storage methods and allow the creation of faster computers that need less energy. The new approach will also make computers more like biological systems.

At present, the computers look at information processing and storage as separate tasks, this requires the computer to use more energy and work slower as the data has be to shifted many times. Meanwhile, a more brain like computer will not make this distinction and look at as one task.

The team used phase-change materials, which are a type of semi-conductor with special qualities, to allow the computer to carry out both tasks at the same time. The study shows that this material is capable of collecting and processing data at the same time.

“Our findings have major implications for the development of entirely new forms of computing, including ‘brain-like’ computers. We have uncovered a technique for potentially developing new forms of ‘brain-like’ computer systems that could learn, adapt and change over time. This is something that researchers have been striving for over many years,” said Lead author Professor David Wright of the University of Exeter.

The study, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, has been published the journal Advanced Materials.