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The Integrated Circuit
Less than 30 years ago, the modern industrial world was energized and placed
onto a path of higher economic prosperity due to the creation of the integrated
circuit (IC).
With ICs, engineers could build complex electronic devices which were smaller,
faster, cheaper and more reliable than the assemblies of discrete components
they replaced.
Without this technology, the personal computer, modern (intelligent) home
appliances, a variety of games, and even the modern fuel-efficient and clean
automobile would not exist.
Sandia's Microrobot
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On the Verge of Another Prosperity Revolution
Today, we may be on the verge of another prosperity revolution, not unlike
that driven by the introduction of the IC.
The new technology which may drive this prosperity is based on the
intelligent, integrated microsystem.
These microsystems will create a device which has the combined ability to
sense it’s surroundings (chemical, physical, etc.), "think about" the data
it has sensed, act on that data and then communicate its actions, or
information for the action of others, to the outside world.
All of this capability can be built onto a single "chip" of silicon and
placed into a very small, low power package. These devices will be cheap to
build and will be remarkably reliable.
To achieve the vision of an intelligent, integrated microsystem, we must
capitalize on key developments which have been made, and others which still
need to be made, in microsensors, logic circuits, micromachines, and advanced
communications (wireless - optical and /or microwave).
The applications of these devices, from medical treatment, to
anti-terrorism, to the health monitoring of complex engineering systems may
revolutionize our future world.
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