The conference IEEE Sensor 2016 the representatives DARPA one of the projects agency (US Defense Advance Research Project Agency) reported on progress in the development of powered sensors close to zero. New sensors are used in the structure microelectromechanical circuit (MEMS) and yet can live without battery power only in standby mode. On the work of the processor core is still required powerful enough power for data transmission, although the developers promise to solve this problem. For short-term operation the transmitter power can be stored in electric double layer capacitors (supercapacitors), and it can be retrieved from the "air" - generating a vibration, sunlight or a powerful radio wave transmitters, repeaters.
Sensors with "zero" power (N-Zero, Near Zero Power Radio Frequency and Sensor Operations project) will help save the lives of soldiers in a hostile environment, when it is impossible to constantly monitor large areas. For example, a network of spaced every few meters with zero-power sensors will detect tab explosive device near the strategic highways. In addition, change the batteries in time, no one will fight so that the question of power batteryless sensors on the battlefield will never lose its relevance.
Of course, the sensors with a zero power can be applied also in the civilian world. They can help to control the territory of household and participate in the organization of a "smart" home.