Smart Dust Microscopic Spy Sensors...

... Nothing to sneeze at.

In a groundbreaking fusion of science fiction and reality, smart dust technology—tiny, wireless sensors capable of gathering vast amounts of data—promises to revolutionize industries from environmental monitoring to healthcare while raising significant ethical and privacy concerns.

The concept of “smart dust” might sound like something from a science fiction tale, but it’s gradually becoming an integral part of modern technology. Originating as a theoretical proposal for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), smart dust has evolved into a promising tool for various industries. From environmental monitoring to intelligence gathering, these microscopic sensors offer a wide range of applications. As they continue to develop, the potential to revolutionize data collection and interaction with our environments becomes increasingly apparent. This article delves into the origins, current developments, and future implications of smart dust technology. (more)

FutureWatch: Visualizing Radio Waves to Detect Eavesdropping Bugs

If you could see radio waves it would make finding your misplaced mobile phone easier. It would also make finding eavesdropping bugs and covert spy cameras easier to find, too.

We are not quite there yet, but progress is being made. A French company, Luxondes, is working on this now. Their focus, however, is not consumer or TSCM oriented. The immediate profit market is product testing. 

In this video, they show a transmitting device being waved in front of a panel with 64 sensors operating between 50 MHz and 3 GHz. 

Being able to visualize radio waves is necessary for many reasons. As TSCM practitioners, we want this technology to evolve.  

• Initially, by developing a hand-held screen which can be moved around a room or vehicle. 
• Eventually, by developing a device—maybe a spatial headset—that displays radio-frequency energy as a 3-D fog, lidar-map the room, and document both for review and as evidence. 
• And, whenever possible, add AI capabilities. Determine the frequency. List what is legally allowed to use that frequency. Analyze and identify the waveform. Display the results, and highlight any anomalies. 

With any luck, REI is also working on this for us.

FutureWatch - Super Microphones Coming to Eavesdropping Devices and...

... more mundane items like smart speakers and cell phones...  

 A KAIST research team ... has developed a bioinspired flexible piezoelectric acoustic sensor with multi-resonant ultrathin piezoelectric membrane mimicking the basilar membrane of the human cochlea. The flexible acoustic sensor has been miniaturized ... is ready for accurate and far-distant voice detection. more