World’s smallest computer is smaller than a grain of rice

The Michigan Micro Mote (M³) is world’s smallest computer is smaller than a grain of rice and is powered by light.

Images credit Martin Vloet/ University of Michigan

Pictured here on a coin, the Michigan Micro Mote (M³), is the smallest computer in the world and could revolutionize the Internet of Things (IoT).

Prof. David Blaauw from University of Michigan, explained.

“To be “complete,” a computer system must have an input of data, the ability to process that data – meaning process and store it, make decisions about what to do next – and ultimately, the ability to output the data. The sensors are the input and the radios are the output. The other key to being a complete computer is the ability to supply its own power.”

Michigan Engineers have created millimeter sized units that can perform on many alternating platforms.

Dennis Sylvester and David Blaauw, professors of UM’s Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, have developed units capable of harvesting solar power to utilize wireless communication, pressure and temperature sensors and even still image and video processing.

The design of each computer is developed at Michigan under a team of post-graduate students under Sylvester and Blaauw’s supervision. Each unit is assembled in layers and is capable of being customized to a particular function. While testing has been developed to place these units on top of tumors inside cancer patients to determine the results of chemotherapy, the range of applications seem unlimited.