“As engineers, we have to see beyond existing technology and ask, ‘Is there a better way?’”

James Dyson – Engineer and Founder.

My first mobile phone was the size of a small house brick, weighed almost as much and didn’t do anything other than make and receive phone calls. Although the iPhone 13 is not the smallest iPhone ever produced, it easily fits in my pocket, has massively more computing power than an Apollo space capsule and an incredible breadth of functionality. While we may not always notice the progression of miniaturisation over time, a couple of recent examples demonstrate how far this has come:

• Researchers recently attached a micro radio transmitter to several Death’s- Head Hawkmoths to track their migratory path – which turned out to be an impressive navigational feat following a straight line over long distances. Equally impressive is the degree of miniaturisation in developing a radio transmitter small enough to attach to a moth (source: Australian Geographic, 12 August 2022)
• A medical technology company, Endiatx, is developing the PillBot, a prototype pill like robot, designed to be swallowed and manoeuvred through the alimentary canal. If this device can be successfully commercialised, it will provide a less invasive and more cost effective diagnostic tool (source: Medical Design and Outsourcing, 11 March 2022).

While it may not be miniaturised to the same degree as these two examples, the Dyson Hyperdymium Motor is another brilliant illustration of the benefits of shrinking technology. Dyson replaced commutator brushes with digital pulse technology, added neodymium magnets and a ceramic shaft stronger than steel. The result is a motor which is smaller, lighter, cleaner and more durable than a traditional electric motor. Dyson have chosen to design and manufacture their own motors as they see this as a competitive advantage which is enabling them to redesign products like vacuum cleaners, hair dryers and electric cars. (source: Dyson website and “Invention: A Life” by James Dyson).