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Tuesday 20 November 2007

What is a micro-machine?

One of the most important steps in computing technology in the coming years is likely to be a return to mechanical methods. Using the same process used to create chips, it’s possible to fabricate mechanical parts – levers, gear wheels, and small motors.
The best known example of a micro-machine was created by Sandia Laboratories in New Mexico in the US. It’ a complete motor developing 50W of power in one square millimeter – still a bit big for some of the micro – machines planned for the future.
What are micro-machines going to be used for? Obvious applications are sensors, gyros, and drug delivery. The idea is that a micro-machine could have a strain sensor or a gyroscopic attitude sensor and electronics built into a single chip-sized package. The idea of using a micro-machine to deliver drugs is getting a bit closer to more sci-fi applications. Only a step further is the idea of building insect-sized robots that could do difficult jobs in very small places. Swallowing an ant-sized machine to cure you or putting one inside some failed machinery seems like a really good idea!

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