"To be "complete," a computer system must have an input of data, the ability to process that data - meaning process and store it, make decisions about what to do next – and ultimately, the ability to output the data." Prof. Blaauw explained. "The sensors are the input and the radios are the output. The other key to being a complete computer is the ability to supply its own power."

In 2017, the systems are one cubic millimeter. There are several types and are a line of the world's smallest computers. They have one megabyte of flash memory. Their broader goal is to make smarter, smaller sensors for medical devices and the internet of things—sensors that can do more with less energy.