  Recent advances in multistable metamaterials reveal a link between structural
configuration transition and Boolean logic, heralding a new generation of
computationally capable intelligent materials. To enable higher-level
computation, existing computational frameworks require the integration of
large-scale networked logic gates, which places demanding requirements on the
fabrication of materials counterparts and the propagation of signals. Inspired
by cellular automata, we propose a novel computational framework based on
multistable origami metamaterials by incorporating reservoir computing, which
can accomplish high-level computation tasks without the need to construct a
logic gate network. This approach thus eleimates the demanding requirements for
fabrication of materials and signal propagation when constructing large-scale
networks for high-level computation in conventional mechano-logic. Using the
multistable stacked Miura-origami metamaterial as a validation platform, digit
recognition is successfully implemented through experiments by a single
actuator. Moreover, complex tasks, such as handwriting recognition and 5-bit
memory tasks, are also shown to be feasible with the new computation framework.
Our research represents a significant advancement in developing a new
generation of intelligent materials with advanced computational capabilities.
With continued research and development, these materials could have a
transformative impact on a wide range of fields, from computational science to
material mechano-intelligence technology and beyond.
