IBM have just announced the unveiling of the ‘world’s smallest computer’ – which they say is smaller than a grain of salt.
Yep – a grain of salt. Well they do say that big things come in small packages, so how about a round of applause for the American tech giant?
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The new computer is reportedly 1x1mm in size and has the same computing power as an x86 processor from the 1990s.
Sure, it’s not the most powerful computer in the world but to give it its dues, it is pretty tiny.
In fact it’s so small you’ll need a microscope to properly see it.
But why, I hear you ask, do we need a computer so small? Well, it’s an easy way to put computers on things that traditional computer chips wouldn’t fit on.
The company said that when put on a tiny motherboard, it can be embedded into packages to make it easier to track the shipment of goods.
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It also has enough power to carry out and run basic artificial intelligence programmes and tasks – and it works with blockchain.
The company also said that when put on a tiny motherboard, it will make it easier for companies to track the shipment of, and process, goods.
Head of research Arvind Krishna said: ‘Within the next five years, cryptographic anchors — such as ink dots or tiny computers smaller than a grain of salt — will be embedded in everyday objects and devices.
‘They’ll be used in tandem with blockchain’s distributed ledger technology to ensure an object’s authenticity from its point of origin to when it reaches the hands of the customer.
‘These technologies pave the way for new solutions that tackle food safety, authenticity of manufactured components, genetically modified products, identification of counterfeit objects and provenance of luxury goods.’
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