  We want to introduce an atomic pendulum whose driving force (torque) is due
to the quantum vacuum fluctuations. Applying the well-known Casimir-Polder
effect to a special configuration (a combined structure of an atomic nanostring
and a conducting plate), an atomic pendulum (Casimir atomic pendulum) is
designed. Using practically acceptable data corresponding to the already known
world of nanotechnology and based on reasonable/reliable numerical estimates,
the period of oscillation for the pendulum is computed. This pendulum can be
considered as both a new Micro (Nano)-Eelectromechanical system and a new
simple vacuum machine. Its design may be considered as a first step towards
realizing the visualized vacuum (Casimir) clock!
