This “smart dust” would effectively act as electronic nerve endings

If the planet were sprinkled with trillions upon trillions of tiny sensors—each no larger than a grain of rice—scientists could monitor everything. This “smart dust” would effectively act as electronic nerve endings, transmitting data about the world around us. Today HP and Shell are collaborating on just such a project they’re calling the Central Nervous System for the Earth (CeNSE).

Although the current sensor prototypes can hardly be considered dust—each has the approximate bulk of a matchbook, and when enclosed in a protective case that size jumps up to that of a VHS tape—the company anticipates deploying at least a trillion of these accelerometers in upcoming years. They are 1,000 times more powerful than the sensors found in the iPhone, and HP claims they’re sensitive enough to detect heartbeats.
These wireless devices would be used to check ecosystem health, detect earthquakes quickly and more effectively, anticipate traffic patterns, and monitor energy use, to name a few applications. The first step? Deploying about 1 million matchbook-size monitors, which would be able to cover a 6-square-mile radius, within two years. The initial goal will be to aid in oil exploration by measuring rock vibrations and movement.