The next generation of computing is just around the corner and it will be nothing like we've ever experienced. Computing and data sharing is about to be revolutionized by a new information technology known as Smart Dust. When perfected, Smart Dust will consist of tiny computers no larger than one cubic millimeter that could be placed just about anywhere. Unlike today's computers, Smart Dust (otherwise known as "motes") will be very cheap to produce and use in massive numbers. These motes will be able to track data, network with each-other and transmit all types of information to users[2].
Because they will be used in such large numbers, the term "ubiquitous computing" was coined to describe their operation. Smart Dust will have endless applications from traffic control, environmental monitoring, military surveillance and much much more[1].
So what exactly is a mote and how does it work? Well, a mote is essentially a tiny, embedded low-cost computer. Although we're used to associating a computer with something relatively large like a laptop or desktop, computer size decreases with functionality: the less a computer does, the less hardware it requires, and thus the smaller it can be. Such is the case with motes: your average mote is built to do almost just two things: track some data and transmit it[2].
The mote is outfitted with a tiny sensor that can monitor things such as light, sound, optics, temperature, vibrations etc. The computer then links this sensor with a tiny radio link that is used to transmit the information to a user [1]. Of course, motes also need something to power them: and here again, their small size works to their advantage: because they're so small, they can often be powered by things freely available in most environments such as heat (solar) and even vibrations. Because they're so small, the tiniest amounts of these energy sources can be used to power them. Of course, tiny batteries can also be added to the motes just in case[1].
In summary, the mote: a tiny battery-powered computer with a sensor and a radio link that can network anywhere with billions of other motes and relay information back to an end-user.
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