These Chips are in Everything

The article explores the fundamental role of simple mechanical components, like cogs, in the origins of computing, highlighting how these principles underpin modern computer technology. It focuses on Arm, a leading global CPU designer that, despite its significant market presence, remains less recognized by the general public compared to companies like Apple, Qualcomm, AMD, and Intel. Arm has long dominated the smartphone CPU market and has recently made significant inroads into desktop computing, challenging established industry leaders. Arm’s influence extends far beyond smartphones and desktops; their chip designs are integral to a wide array of everyday technologies, including TV remotes, humanoid robots, and autonomous vehicles. The article includes a visit to Arm’s headquarters in Cambridge, UK, to provide insight into their microarchitecture chip design and Instruction Set Architecture (ISA), which have become foundational to the capabilities and innovation across multiple technology sectors.