Embodiments of the invention include a self-propelled sensor system. In an embodiment, the self-propelled sensor system includes a piezoelectrically actuated motor that is integrated with a substrate. In an embodiment, the self-propelled sensor system may also include a sensor and an integrated circuit electrically coupled to the piezoelectrically actuated motor. Embodiments of the invention may also include self-propelled sensor systems that include plurality of piezoelectrically actuated motors. In an embodiment the piezoelectrically actuated motors may be one or more different types of motors including, but not limited to, stick and slip motors, inchworm stepping motors, standing acoustic wave motors, a plurality of piezoelectrically actuated cantilevers, and a piezoelectrically actuated diaphragm. Additional embodiments of the invention may include a plurality of self-propelled sensor systems that are communicatively coupled to form a sensor mesh.