At least in the flying-robot space, I think cheap batteries and sensors have been at least as important. The sensors -- primarily accelerometers -- are etched

At least in the flying-robot space, I think cheap batteries and sensors have been at least as important. The sensors -- primarily accelerometers -- are etched in silicon, and benefit from a lot of the same cost and quality improvements as other microelectronics. Batteries don't get better as fast as processors, but they do get better. About 7% per year for the past two decades. That has been adding up, and finally tipped us over the point where you can have your own tiny flying helicopter for $15.