(University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI)—A nine cubic millimeter solar-powered sensor system developed at the University of Michigan (UM) is the smallest that can harvest energy from its surroundings to operate nearly perpetually.

A low-power, sensor system developed at the University of Michigan is 1,000 times smaller than comparable commercial counterparts. It could enable new biomedical implants. Photo by: Daeyeon Kim

The UM system’s processor, solar cells, and battery are all contained in its tiny frame, which measures 2.5 by 3.5 by 1 mm. It is 1,000 times smaller than comparable commercial counterparts.

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