Where we are

Particle-computers no bigger than a grain of dust are capable of being suspended in air, monitoring the environment, taking photographs and collecting energy. ‘Neural dust’ computers have developed for use alongside remote ultrasound to send and receive brain information.

Where we’re going

Tiny technology is here so we can expect to see practical applications in the coming year across health, medicine and environmental science. Now that the structures exists, we will also see more software built into these new platforms.

How to think about it

Consider computers that are invisible, and directly connected to our bodies and brains, linked to each other in a mass network, everywhere and always on. What miniature hardware could be built for each purpose? What software could be built to layer onto these new platforms?

Signals

Microscopic ‘smart Dust’ Sensors Are Set To Revolutionise A Range Of Sectors

Wireless Network Brings Dust-sized Brain Implants A Step Closer

The World’s Smallest Camera Is The Size Of A Grain Of Sand