Hardware can come in different sizes. The probably smallest camera in the world is not much larger than a grain of salt. In the area where it is usually used, there is also not much space available.
There is indeed small hardware that is urgently needed for various purposes. However, a particularly small device is not larger than a grain of salt: The smallest camera in the world comes from the manufacturer Omnivision and has even made it into the Guinness Book of Records.
The smallest camera in the world can mainly be used in the medical field
How big is the camera anyway? The camera has a size of 0.575 mm x 0.575 mm x 0.232 mm. That is smaller than a fingernail and rather about the size of a coarse grain of salt.
What can this thing do? The small sensor can mainly be mounted on various medical instruments. For example, disposable guidewires, endoscopes, and catheters. Therefore, the device is particularly suitable for the medical field (via ovt.com).
The OV6948 has an optical format of 1/36 inch and a field of view that can record videos with a resolution of 200 x 200 pixels at up to 30 frames per second (fps). That sounds initially very little, but one should also keep in mind that the sensor is incredibly tiny. Additionally, you also need the corresponding hardware that knows how to handle the sensor.
What does such a device cost? According to the website Arrow, a module costs around 50 euros. However, the problem is that you cannot order just one part, but must order at least 192 pieces. Then the costs are rather in the 4-digit range.
There is more very small hardware. However, this is not used in hospitals, but the devices are very popular in prisons:
The smallest phone in the world costs 50 € and is apparently particularly popular in prisons
