Coordination and Computation in Distributed Intelligent MEMS

Over the last decades, research on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) has focused on the engineering process which has led to major advances. Future challenges will consist in adding embedded intelligence to MEMS systems to obtain distributed intelligent MEMS. One intrinsic characteristic of MEMS is their ability to be mass-produced. This, however, poses scalability problems because a significant number of MEMS can be placed in a small volume. Managing this scalability requires paradigm-shifts both in hardware and software parts. Furthermore, the need for actuated synchronization, programming, communication and mobility management raises new challenges in both control and programming. Finally, MEMS are prone to faulty behaviors as they are mechanical systems and they are issued from a batch fabrication process. A new programming paradigm which can meet these challenges is therefore needed. In this article, we present CO2Dim, which stands for Coordination and Computation in Distributed Intelligent MEMS. CO2DIM is a common project between France and Hong-Kong building a new programming environment which includes a language, based on a joint development of programming and control capabilities, a simulator and real hardware.