The miniaturization of electronics along with the Internet is paving the way for a "network of things". Future networks will consist of tiny wireless microelectromechanical sensors (MEMS) capable of sensing and transmitting data from anywhere to anywhere. These sensors, called "smart dust" or "data motes" contain computing circuits, cameras, a self-contained power supply and wireless communications technology. Each data mote is capable of gathering data, running computations and communicating information to other motes up to a 1,000 feet away. With continued breakthroughs in chip fabrication, motes could eventually become small electronic sensors the size of a grain of sand. The embedded video below provides an overview behind the concept of "Smart Dust".

Question

Businesses and individuals already collect a massive amount data but only about 35% of the information collected is used. Smart Dust will enable businesses and individuals to collect a great deal more.

How will companies/individuals need to adapt in order to make sense of volumes of new information Smart Dust will allow them to collect?

There are few policies in place regarding data collection and usage. Businesses and individuals are largely expected to "self-govern" their collection/use of data. Many are concerned about privacy issues as well as the ethical use of data. Is the potential for learning and understanding more about business and/or society worth the concerns regarding privacy?

One major city is using data motes to track and study homelessness. A NFL team is considering using data motes to track the movement of fans throughout the stadium on game days to better understand/plan changes to building resources including bathroom facilities, concession stands, entrances/exits, etc.

There are endless potential societal, scientific, medical and business applications for "smart dust". What useful implementation of smart dust can be imagine?

Video link

https://youtu.be/GvdGggusRYU