IBM unveils a computer smaller than even a grain of salt

While the size of mobile phones is becoming larger by the day, the size of personal computers is going smaller. So much so that IBM has unveiled a computer which is smaller than even a grain of salt. It is so small that you may need a microscope to see it.

Touted as the world's smallest computer, the computer is 1mm x 1mm in size and apparently costs less than ten cents to manufacture. The device is part of IBM Research's 5 in 5 project and was unveiled at its Think conference. The company predicts it will play a key role in a blockchain network designed to monitor fraud in global supply chains. The computer has as many as 1 million transistors and is small and cheap enough to be put anywhere and everywhere and has the computing power of x86 chip from 1990.

The device is capable of monitoring, analysing, communicating and even acting on data. In addition to this, the computer is equipped with SRAM for memory and a photovoltaic cell for power. It is also capable of uplink and downlink communication using an LED and a photodetector. The tiny computer also has enough power to carry out and run basic artificial intelligence programmes and tasks.

There's no word on its release though with IBM researchers currently testing its first prototype.