[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

Scenes from a video of the actual motor.

Credit: Zettl Research Group, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and University of California at Berkeley

Microelectromechanical systems or MEMS are micro versions of electrical gears, motors, switches, etc. that are used to significantly reduce the size of many of today's and future devices from all kinds of industries. Common uses include defense/munitions applications, computer hard drives, optics, and many others. The image above shows the top view of gear reduction unit.

CREDIT: Courtesy Sandia National Laboratories, SUMMiTTM Technologies, www.mems.sandia.gov

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Visit the source article for more links, pics, and animations.

[KidGlock]

Here is second place in the world's smallest motor:

[ClearCase_guy]

a surface-tension-driven nanoelectromechanical relaxation oscillator

Hey, is this from that phony paper submitted to the academic conference by MIT students?

[Psycho_Bunny]

One day a similar engine might power a tiny mechanical doctor that would travel through your body in the ultimate house call.

One word: "Viagratron"

I guarantee it.

[Teacher317]

Umm, what keeps it going?

Since the perpetual motion machine is impossible, what is wasted in the process, and how long can the motor run?

[Lazamataz]

Someday, some madman will generate a nanite that does two things:

1. Replicate.
2. Dissolve protein strands.

In a short amount of time, everything living on the planet Earth will melt.

[Lokibob]

[Rocko]

Nanobump.

[SlowBoat407]

Is that anything like...

Nanu-technology?

[soundandvision]

This reminds me of the parody commercial played during Rush's show (if you listen to the stream from his website) about the 2008 Ford Excuse, Limited Edition..they made 12 to keep up with the demand.

[Fiddlstix]

BTTT

[knews_hound]

bttt