Harnessing Oscillatory Dynamics for Reprogrammable Mechanical Functionality

Achieving true mechanical reprogrammability — where structural functions can be dynamically defined, modified, and accessed on demand — requires the ability to arbitrarily set and alter the states of arrays of mechanical bits. Here, we introduce a new approach that accomplishes exactly this by exploiting asynchronous symmetry breaking in oscillator arrays driven by a single global actuator. Using an array of pendula as an experimental model, we show that intrinsic frequency separation enables arbitrary information writing and even makes possible the realization of a mechanical piano. Because the system is controlled exclusively through the timing of a global actuation signal, this strategy offers a scalable and efficient route toward reprogrammable matter, with applicability across elastic structures, chemical oscillators, and electronic circuits.