ABSTRACT
As sensor network nodes decrease in size, denser networks can be deployed and entirely new sensor network applications will be enabled. Furthermore, smaller, lighter nodes will facilitate more network deployment methods, such as microaerial vehicles (MAV) and even air-borne dispersal. An additional side effect of miniaturization techniques based on semiconductor batch fabrication is that the manufacturing cost of the sensor nodes can be reduced for large quantities, which will allow for denser and more extensive sensor networks. These factors of discrete size and large, dense networks will enable new methods of interacting with the environment and provide more information from more places in a less intrusive way than before. Application areas enabled by miniaturized sensor nodes are numerous and include defense and intelligence networks; tracking the movements of birds, small animals, and even insects; fingertip accelerometer virtual keyboards; and interfaces for the disabled.
