SmartDust, the robotic intelligent dust

SmartDust is an "intelligent dust" network project made up of mini-robots with wireless sensors. As big as a dust particle or a grain of sand, these small and mobile intelligent forms (autonomous or remote control) can be used to explore space and some planets, adjust temperatures, detect earthquakes, hunt down enemies (military use) or for domestic purposes. The components of SmartDust can travel with the wind, change shape with the application of an electric current and communicate with each other to form a cloud or an organised swarm of bees. Even in high winds, these little beasts can be directed into any direction with the sole purpose of reaching their target. This may seem like sci-fi, but it isn't a new concept. The Invincible, a sci-fi book from 1964 already addressed the subject and Dr. John Barker from the Scottish University of Glasgow is already working on it. It is still at the beginning of the testing stage but this technology is promising for the exploration of Space and planet Mars. Moreover, its applications in our environment are almost limitless. Videos of Smart Dust: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvdGggusRYU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-v5_TdZ4f7Q