Advertisement

Advertisement

MIT Students Power Supercomputer with Bicycles

By Feb 15, 2008
01_MIT.jpg

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

You’re reading an outdated article. Please go to the recent issues to find up-to-date content.

According to Computerworld, a group of cyclists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) powered a supercomputer for nearly 20 minutes by pedaling, marking the largest human-powered computation in history.

The supercomputer, a SiCortex SC648, was calculating research on nuclear fusion, and it drew 1.2 kilowatts of energy. According to the researchers, a conventional supercomputer could require 10 times the power to run the same program.

SiCortex is a Maynard, Mass.-based company that focuses on energy-efficient supercomputing. A spokesperson from the event said the human-powered session produced more computations than took place in the first 3,000 years of civilization, and it performed more arithmetic calculations than were performed before 1960.

The MIT team was highlighting the need for sustainable energy supplies, as well as competing for the Guinness World Record and for prizes in a bike company-sponsored competition called “Innovate or Die,” in which contestants use bike power in innovative ways and post their submission on YouTube.

© Information Inc.

 

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

featured Video

;

Why Vive Lighting Controls - The Benefits of Wireless

Vive by Lutron is a simple, scalable, wireless lighting control solution designed to meet today’s energy codes and budgets in both new and existing commercial buildings. Vive wireless systems install up to 70% faster than wired solutions, saving time, money, and labor costs.

Advertisement

Related Articles

Advertisement