Quite often these days, we hear about the most powerful supercomputers in the world and how Linux is starting to take over. But what about computers that are smaller in size? In case you're wondering, we're not referring to the various mini computers that are out there, like the Raspberry Pi. Instead, we're talking about the truly tiny computers , specifically those that are smaller in size than a grain of salt!
Yes, you read that right! In a development that seems to come straight from the future, IBM engineers have created the world's smallest computer. This happened on the first day of IBM Think 2018, the company's flagship conference.
According to a report by Mashable, the computer is so small that one would need a microscope to see it! The specific size is 1x1nm and houses several hundred transistors. This tiny computer packs as much power as the x86 chip from the 1990s.
As shown in the image above, you can see the computer on top of a pile of salt on the right.
IBM expects these computers to act as a data source for blockchain applications. With their help, a device will be able to complete basic AI tasks and track the shipment of goods, any possible incidents of fraud and theft.
The company also expects such tiny computers to find a place in everyday electronic devices within the next 5 years.
After all, the future may already be here!
