Crypto-anchor: the smallest computer in the world uses blockchain

The new blog post on the official site of IBM leaves little room to believe that the reported info about blockchain being used on one of its latest prototypes is false. Indeed, Arvind Krishna who heads IBM Research tells about new crypto-anchors, tiny computers attachable to goods, in direct connection with blockchain and distributed ledger technologies.

Blockchain underlies Bitcoin and most other cryptocurrencies, effectively acting as a supply chain network of financial transactions. IBM has already been seen working with blockchain applications in connection with maritime supply. One would not say that many observers expected to see the new technology implemented in the form of a tiny chip resembling a spy gadget.

The new anchor chips would be able to keep the quality control of goods and packages. Potentially, these chips can be used to track military supplies and sensitive cargo delivery. The problem of blood diamonds might become less urgent thanks to this system as well. Note that this technology is still being developed and remains far from being widely-used at the press time.

Other newest IBM applications include control of the state of oceanic water and plankton using small AI-based microscopes, thus helping to ensure scientists’ awareness of the ecological situation.

Image courtesy of Mashable