Smart Dust, a revolutionary invention also known as mini robots or "motes", has taken the IT world by storm. They are micro-electromechanical sensors (MEMS) , currently the size of a pager, developed by Professor Kristofer Pister at the University of Berkeley in California. Smart Dust acts as a wireless network of sensors that are able to communicate with each other and a central computer, transmitting data while sensing and analyzing its surrounding environment. These micro-electromechanical sensors have the ability to monitor temperature, radiation, even detect light, vibrations, movements and toxic chemicals (vist http://www.scienceclarified.com/scitech/Artificial-Intelligence/The-Future-of-AI.html to see more) Since the beginning of its research in the late 90's, Smart Dust appears to have unlimited potential to what it can contribute to today's world. Eventually, these "motes" will be the size of a grain of rice or a speck of dust. Scientists believe that Smart dust will have a major impact on many different levels such as the military, business corporations and organizations, hospitals, airports and in our communities. Imagine having the ability to detect chemical weapons around an airport or oncoming attacks from enemies in battle, smart dust will be able to accomplish this. These sensors will not be difficult for consumers to get their hands on, as they will only be costing one dollar per mote. There is no telling what the future has in store for Smart Dust.
references:
1) http://www.scienceclarified.com/scitech/Artificial-Intelligence/The-Future-of-AI.html
2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smartdust
