Three-trace electromechanical devices and methods of using same are described. The device of the present invention includes first and second electrically conductive elements with a nanotube ribbon (or other electromechanical elements) disposed therebetween. The nanotube ribbon is capable of maintaining its position after removing an electrical stimulus applied to at least one of the first and second electrically conductive elements. Such devices may be formed into arrays of cells. One of the conductive elements may be used to create an attractive force to cause the nanotube ribbon to contact a conductive element, and the other conductive element may be used to create an attractive force to pull the nanotube ribbon from contact with the contacted conductive element. The electrically conductive traces may be aligned or unaligned with one another.