Scientists Develop “Smart Dust” — Microscopic Sensors That Can Float in Air Researchers have developed a new class of microscopic sensors known as “Smart Dust”, made using advanced MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) technology. These particles are so small they can be suspended in air or embedded into environments, where they collect data such as temperature, light, vibration, pressure, or chemical traces. Smart dust is designed primarily for scientific, industrial, and environmental monitor