Mechanical RAM

If you've ever programmed embedded systems, then you know that unless your data is in program or flash memory, then its all gone when the power cycles. Now if you wanted to keep that data around, it would cost energy (since you'd have to keep things powered). The Economist (yes I need new sources, suggestions?) has a neat article about the use of mechanically-based switches to remember data. The article explains two devices, one of which is actually a MEMS switch (literally a piece of metal that breaks a circuit). Although George Boole was not famous while he lived, the first application of his work was in telephone relay switches. Maybe we are coming around, full circle.

Wired contact lenses

The Economist had an article a while back about contact lenses with micro, flexible electronics on them. These aren't visual sensors, but, instead, are placed on the eye surface and can monitor diseases and control drug dosages. Its just another example of how curved, flexible and small electronics enable interesting applications. But if you've read your science fiction then you might suspect that its only a small step before these devices get optical elements. These could enhance vision in wavelengths beyond our visual range, by adding sensors with special filters. Or they could manipulate and augment the incoming visual field using LCDs or LCoS or DMDs. The advantage of having it on the eye would be that the tough brain-electronics interface problem would be avoided. Instead of that interface (which is still current research) the electronics would communicate to the brain by manipulating light, before it falls on the retina.