A nanomechanical device includes a nanostructure, such as a MWNT, located between two electrodes. The device switches from an OFF state to an ON state by extension of at least one inner shell of the nanostructure relative to at least one outer shell of the nanostructure upon an application of a voltage between the electrodes. If desired, the device may also switch from the ON state to the OFF state upon an application of a gate voltage to a gate electrode located adjacent to the nanostructure.