Smart dust consists of tiny wireless sensor nodes called "motes" that contain sensors, computing circuits, communication technology, and a power supply integrated on a dust-sized device. These motes form networks to transmit sensor data like temperature, humidity, light, and vibrations back to a central computer. Each mote has an ambient sensor, wireless transmitter, CPU, and power source. Researchers are working to miniaturize components using MEMS and integrated circuit technology to create smarter and smaller smart dust networks for applications in defense, healthcare, environment monitoring, and more. Challenges include reducing size, weight, and power consumption of the motes.