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Re:Ask HN: What are some unpopular technologies you wish peo... by denton-scratch on Saturday December 02, 2023 @11:27AM (#38499704)
When I was at school (a long time ago), they tried to explain computers to us by making an adder using beads and matchboxes. We didn't have classroom computers back then. I'd like to know how that worked.

I've always wanted to build a digital clock entirely running on fluids. It would use fluid gates, and present a digital display by pushing blobs of coloured immiscible liquids back and forth through glass tubes (perhaps arranged as a seven-segment display). The counter itself would be made using fluid gates (which I don't know how to make). It would be slow; but for a wallclock with minute precision, you hardly need nanosecond gates.

So I wish "fluidonics" were popular.

Re:Ask HN: What are some unpopular technologies you wish peo... by Reviving1514 on Saturday December 02, 2023 @11:31AM (#38499745)
Microfluidics is a search term that may be helpful to you.
Re:Ask HN: What are some unpopular technologies you wish peo... by Darkenetor on Saturday December 02, 2023 @04:30PM (#38502228)
I have to recommend ComPressure for an accurate taste of the challenges in designing those kind of systems, on top of being my favorite Zachtronics-style puzzle.

Try the demo: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1528120/ComPressure/

Re:Ask HN: What are some unpopular technologies you wish peo... by hypercube33 on Sunday December 03, 2023 @05:29PM (#38511405)
what about with ferrofuids?