Nanomachines and Robots

Developments and ApplicationsBy Lindsey Armstrong, Christopher Arnold, Kamal  Banjara, Ahmad Al‐douah

http://www.scienceclarified.com/scitech/images/lsai_0001_0001_0_img0035.jpg

IntroductionIntroductionN hi d b t h d ld f di i d ibiliti i fi ld• Nanomachines and robots have opened a new world of discoveries and possibilities in every field imaginable such as space exploration, military defense, and medicine, industry, energy.  

In this presentation we will focus on the impact of nanomachines in:

– Medicine

• Cancer

• Pharmaceuticals

Energy– Energy

• Oil  Extraction

• Oil Spill Clean Up

• Solar Power harnessingg

• Ozone Layer

– Detection and Defense

• Space exploration

• Military Defense

• Chemical Warfare Detectionhttp://www.unisciences.com/biologie/news/nanomachine_corps_humain.php?id=452

Presentation DefinitionsPresentation Definitions

To avoid confusion when discussing terms in this presentation, we have defined our use of the word Machine.

Machine:  this term references any device that performs a task.  This broad definition is necessary in the world of nanoparticals because of the unique abilities nanoassemblies and structures provide.p q p

http://www.zyvex.com/nanotech/nano4/tuzun/paper2/fig1paper2.jpg

History of Nanorobots BuildupHistory of Nanorobots-BuildupD b 29 1959 Ri h d F i th f “Th ’ Pl t f R t th B tt ” t lk• December 29, 1959: Richard Feynman gives the famous “There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom” talk.

– First use of the concepts of nanotechnology.

– Describes a process by which individual atoms and molecules can be manipulated.

• 1974: Professor Norio Taniguchi defines nanotechnology as “the processing of, separation,1974: Professor Norio Taniguchi defines nanotechnology as  the processing of, separation, consolidation, and deformation of materials by one atom or by one molecule.”

• 1980’s: Dr. Eric Drexler publishes several scientific articles promoting nanoscale phenomena and devices.

1986 Th b k E i f C i Th C i E f N h l b D E i D l i• 1986: The book Engines of Creation: The Coming Era of Nanotechnology by Dr. Eric Drexler is published.  He envisioned nanorobots as self replicating.

– Considered the first book on nanotechnology.

http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/nanorobot‐4.jpg

History of Nanorobots BeginningsHistory of Nanorobots-Beginnings1981 I ti f th S i T li Mi (STM)• 1981: Invention of the Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM).

– Invented by Gerd Binnig and Heinrich Rohrer of IBM Zürich.

– Used for imaging surfaces at the atomic level and identifying some of their properties (i.e. energy)energy).

• 1985: Discovery of fullerenes(molecules composed entirely of carbon).

– They have many applications in materials science, electronics, and nanotechnology.

• 1991: Carbon nanotubes (cylindrical fullerenes) are discovered as a direct result of the discovery ( y ) yof fullerenes.

– Exhibit high tensile strength, unique electrical properties, and efficient thermal conductivity.

– Their electrical properties makes them ideal circuit components ( transistors and ultracapacitors).

• Recently, chemical and biomedical engineering researchers have used carbon nanotubes as a vessel for delivering drugs into the body.vessel for delivering drugs into the body.

– This method came about because of their versatile structure.

History of NanorobotsCont…

• 1991: Invention of atomic force microscope (AFM).– One of the foremost tools for imaging, measuring and manipulating matter at the nanoscale.– It performs its functions by feeling the surface with mechanical probe.– Since it allows for precision interaction with materials on the nanoscale, it is considered a

nanorobot.• 2000: United States National Nanotechnology Initiative is founded to coordinate federal research and

development in nanotechnology.development in nanotechnology.– Marks the start of a serious effort in nanotechnology research.

• 2000: The company Nanofactory Collaboration is founded.– Developing a research agenda for building a nanofactory capable of building nanorobots for

medical purposes.• Currently, DNA machines(nucleic acid robots) are being developed.

– Performs mechanical-like movements, such as switching, in response to certain stimuli(inputs).• Molecular size robots and machines paved the way for nanotechnology by creating smaller and smaller• Molecular size robots and machines paved the way for nanotechnology by creating smaller and smaller

machines and robots.

Molecular MachinesMolecular Machines

R bi t DNA (P d t bRecombinant DNA (Proposed to be made by DNA machines) Example of How a Molecular Machine Responds to an 

Input (Ultraviolet and Visible Lights). www.newscientist.com/article/dn8885

www newscientist com/article/dn8885www.newscientist.com/article/dn8885

Flagella: A Molecular MotorFlagella: A Molecular Motor

wills-nanotech.blogspot.com

Flagella is Known to Push Bacteria in Several Mediums. It has a rotor composed of parts that look almost identical to those found in a mechanical parts catalog

g p

identical to those found in a mechanical parts catalog.

Basic Features of Nanomachines and Robots

• Specifically placed atoms

• Each atom is purposeful 

• Very small, often less than 20 nm in diameter and less than 100nm in length

• They must perform a function

• Most require energy toMost require energy to perform work

www accelleratingfuture comwww.accelleratingfuture.com   

Nanorobot ConstructionNanorobot ConstructionLik l t t d f ili• Likely constructed of silicone

• Silicon is a prime material because:

– good conductor of  electricity

– flexible and can be easilyflexible and can be easily manipulated

– Can endure a number of different forces and still perform wellperform well

• Negatives of silicone

– Not biodegradable.g

http://nanogloss.com/tag/nanorobot/

Powering NanorobotsPowering Nanorobots

• Traditional battery packs or solar cells are too large for nanorobots

• Idea: install strip of radioactive material in each robot

– Benefit: able to be self powered on the products of decaying materials

– Radioactive strips indefinitely p ypower the nanorobot

– Nanorobots are able to function to fullest abilities at constant rate

1. http://nanogloss.com/tag/nanorobot/p // g / g/ /

Advantages of Nanorobot UseAdvantages of Nanorobot Use• “Nanotechnology enables us to 

create functional materialscreate functional materials, devices, and systems by controlling matter at the atomic and molecular scales, and to exploit novel properties and phenomena ”novel properties and phenomena.  (2)

• Cost Benefit ration is great(1)• Environmentally friendly

– Little pollution from production

– No wasted materials (1)

• Very durable• Can complete work faster than larger 

robots (1)http://www.nanotech‐now.com/images/Art_Gallery/YS

• Nanorobots can be programmed to self‐replicate.

1. http://74.125.113.132/search?q=cache:BDbZZAycoFUJ:techalone.blogspot.com/2008/12/nanaotechnology.html+nanorobot+clean+air&cd=9&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox‐a

2. www.sensormag.com – “Nanotechnology‐ Enabled Sensors: Possibilities, Realities, and Applications” 

Advantages of Nanosensors for nanomachines

Like computer codes which WithoutLike computer codes which Without sensors, nanomachines and robots would be unable to respond appropriately to 

• “Nanosensors are devices that exploitNanosensors are devices that exploit the change in conductivity of nanotubes or nanowires when they are exposed to specific substances.” (1)

• “smaller size, lower weight, more , g ,modest power requirements, greater sensitivity, and better specificity [than micro sensors]”(2)

• Two mechanisms – Detect deflection of a cantilever– Measure the shift of the 

resonance frequency of a vibrating cantilever (1)

http://www.uthscsa.edu/mission/ArticleData/2006‐08/images/nanosensor.jpg

1. lipari.usc.edu – “Nanorobots, NEMS, and Nanoassembly”2. www.sensormag.com – “Nanotechnology‐Enabled g gy

Sensors:Possibilities, Realities, and Applications”

Carbon NanotubesCarbon Nanotubes• Handling and 

characterization are important

• Use mobile microrobotsequipped with delicate q pphandling tools

• Huge application potential in various products

Molecular model of a carbon nanotube functionalized with peptides in helical conformation.

http://www‐ibmc.u‐strasbg.fr/ict/vectorisation/vectorisation_eng.shtml

http://74.125.113.132/search?q=cache:9RMb0ydAv‐wJ:www.azonano.com/news.asp%3FNewsID%3D13154+nanorobot+carbon&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox‐a

Nanomachines in Medicine

http://nanoparticledrugdelivery.blogspot.com/2007_12_01_archive.html

Three Requirements for Nanomachines in Medicine

• Coordinate  complex large scale activities

• Pass along relevant sensory messaging navigational and other operational data

• Monitor collective tasks or task progress• Monitor collective tasks or task progress

Nanorobots navigating Nanorobots identifying molecules through their sensors N b idi b lNanorobots navigating  Nanorobots identifying molecules through their sensors. Nanorobots avoiding obstacles

1.http://nanoparticledrugdelivery.blogspot.com/2007_12_01_archive.html

2. http://www.genomenewsnetwork.org/articles/2004/08/19/nanorobots.php

Design Features and MaterialsDesign Features and MaterialsSi ft l th 100 i• Size: often less than 100 nm in length and the pieces that make up the machines can be as small as 1 nm

• Created primarily of carbonMost often this carbon will be in the form of diamondoid/fullerene nanocomposites 

– i.e. carbon nanotubes. 

• Must be able to avoid being attacked by the host’s immune system. 

Can have a very smooth exterior coating– Can have a very smooth exterior coating of passive diamond.

http://mrbarlow wordpress com/2009/04/page/2/http://mrbarlow.wordpress.com/2009/04/page/2/

Uses in Cancer TreatmentUses in Cancer Treatment• Can distinguish between malignant• Can distinguish between malignant 

and normal cells– Check surface antigens.  – Use chemotactic sensors to 

direct movementdirect movement. • Excellent specificity‐target only 

cancerous cells• Would not harm good cells like 

c rrent methodscurrent methods• Would prevent sickening side effects• Would not harm immune system, 

making patient healthier throughout t t ttreatment

• Highly effective• Can be reused and reprogrammed 

for various cancers

1. www.azonano.com‐ Prospects for Medical Robots2. 2. http://kentonspi.blogspot.com/2008/04/nano‐

technology‐nanomagnet‐ system‐could.html

Pharmaceutical DeliveryPharmaceutical Delivery• Precise means of delivering drugs to specific cells.• Efficient design

C d li d t t diti ll diffi lt• Can deliver drugs to traditionally difficult areas  • Liposome capsules are loaded with drugs• Capsules have a hydrogel coating permitting longer life

http://www.chem.uh.edu/Faculty/lee/Research/2007_files/2007%20‐%20Nanomedicine%202007,%202,%20425.pdf ‐ “Rise of the Nanomachine: The evolution of a revolution in medicine

Damaged Tissue RepairDamaged Tissue RepairE il i d h l d d• Easily repair and heal damaged tissue

• Take existing molecules, replicate them, and begin assembling new molecules into new layers of tissue.

• Nanorobots could slowly “regrow” portions of the g pdamaged bone and might one day be able to reproduce bone marrow.

• Others possibilities include:Others possibilities include:

– Closing of a split vein

– Reforming damaged skin

– Reduce dead flesh (from a wound), resulting in little scarring

http://nanogloss.com/nanobots/how‐nanobots‐can‐repair‐damaged‐tissue/

Nanomachines in the EnvironmentNanomachines in the Environment

htt // t h / th d i i il j

Oil t i l ill d l i

http://www.treehugger.com/earth‐drowing‐in‐oil.jpg

Oil retrieval spills and clean ups, ozone repair and countless other opportunities.

Nanomachines Make Efficient Solar Cells

•Nanopillars are made of arrays of CdS•Nanopillars are made of arrays of CdS•Large scale arrays of highly ordered, single crystalline nanopillars were developed on an AL substrate using a template assisted VLS processtemplate assisted VLS process. •Offer a much larger surface area to capture  energy and separate photocarriers•Increases the efficiency of the solar•Increases the efficiency of the solar cells.  •The three dimensional structure “reduces the amount of active semi conductor material used in the device.”conductor material used in the device.

•Current methods have an efficiency of 10% and these nanopillars are only at 6%  but expected to increase 

A fully fabricated flexible nanopillar solar cell.

dramatically with research.  • One area of current interest is the electrical interaction between Cu and Al which reports a 50% loss of efficiency.

(Credit: Zhiyong Fan.)Nanotoday. Sealy, Cordelia“Nanopilliars Could Spell Cheaper more Efficient Solar Cells.” Vol 4. Issue 5.

Ozone Layer DepletionOzone Layer Depletion• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons

and other molecules are responsible f th d d ti f thfor the degradation of the ozone layer. 

• One chlorine molecule in CFC can exhaust roughly 100,000 molecules of ozone while it is in the stratosphere.

• Nanorobots could remove CFCs from the stratosphere.

• Sodium containing balloon type nanorobotsnanorobots

– powered by nano‐solar cells– gather CFC in the stratosphere 

and remove the chlorine. – Form NaCl which would fall toForm  NaCl which would fall to 

Earth in the form of tiny grains of salt. 

– The biodegradable balloon that originally contained the sodium would soon collapse and alsowould soon collapse and also fall to Earth.

• This idea not only works for chlorine but also for other halogens like bromine by replacing sodium with 

i

http://cc.bingj.com/cache.aspx?q=nano+robot+ozone&d=76801832916137&mkt=en‐US&setlang=en‐US&w=c215d97,78777b9c

magnesium

Oil  Spill Clean‐Up• NanospongesNanosponges 

– Coated in water repelling silicone

20 i di– 20 nanometers in diameter

– Made of potassium manganese oxide

– Nanowires “clump together p gnaturally in dense tangles.” 

– Only removes oil and leaves behind  water and dirt

1.http://74.125.113.132/search?q=cache:3rjGhLryb9cJ:www.nano.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php%3Ft%3D3410%26sid%3Dea00ba11e7d5d2e82939101f29481af6+nanorobots+oil&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox‐a2. www.naturenews.com “Nanosponges could soak p gup oil spills”

3. http://feww.wordpress.com/2009/06/16/court‐caps‐damages‐in‐exxon‐valdez/

Nanorobotics &OilNanorobotics &Oil I 2006 th US D t f E t d th t i t l 67% f ll di d US il i i• In 2006 the US Dept. of Energy reported that approximately 67% of all discovered US oil remains in place, estimating that perhaps one‐quarter of this oil can be recovered. (1)

• Nanoscale technology researched for enhanced reservoir characterization and hydrocarbon detection in conventional oil and gas reservoirs 

1. http://www.beg.utexas.edu/aec/pdf/Small%20But%20Mighty.pdf

Nanorobotics & Oil contdNanorobotics & Oil contd….• 60% oil still remains underground• Nanorobots will be introduced into 

the oil and gas reservoir which will help to typify the space in three dimensions, 

– identify fluidsidentify fluids– Location– improve the hydrocarbon 

recovery.• Nanorobots will collect wide array of 

data that will enhance the knowledge about physical and chemical properties of reservoir. 

(Fig . Hydrophilic (water soluble) carbon clusters are being d i d b Ri h h f il h

1.http://www.beg.utexas.edu/aec/pdf/Small%20But%20Mighty.pdf

2 http://nextbigfuture com/2009/07/nanoreporters

designed by Rice researchers to sense the presence of oil that remains in old wells. The HCCs are sheets of carbon one atom thick and 60 nanometers long, with embedded molecules that will detect oil, sulfur and water and store information about how much of each they encounter along their path) (2)

2. http://nextbigfuture.com/2009/07/nanoreporters‐hydrophilic‐water‐soluble.html

Nanorobotics & Oil contdNanorobotics & Oil contd…• Saudi Aramco is leading the way in nanotechnology• Saudi Aramco is leading the way in nanotechnology.

• The petroleum industry has defined an oil reservoir as a solid rock• Contains many tiny pores and pore throats• Oil is trapped within these pores• Need a way to extract the oil from these areas• Need a way to extract the oil from these areas

• They introduced the concept of Resbots (Reservoir Robots) that are smaller than 1/100 of a strand of human hair. These nanorobots can:

• Analyze the reservoir pressure• Determine the temperature • Determine fluid type• Store acquired data in a preinstalled memory chip

• This company is researching possible ways of retrieving petroleum from the pores of solid rocks and can do so by mapping the rock using robots. 

• With the information gathered from the nanobots, new techniques would arise in oil extraction.

htt // t /A ti l /Pi li /S di A N /Dh h M di /3015http://www.aramcoexpats.com/Articles/Pipeline/Saudi‐Aramco‐News/Dhahran‐Media/3015.aspx

Nanorobotics & Oil contdNanorobotics & Oil contd….A i il i t d t d h i US b Ri U i it f th t ti f t il• A  similar experiment was conducted here in US by Rice University  for the extraction of remote oil from reservoirs.

• The use of carbon clusters known as nanoreporters can accomplish this task.p p

– 30,000 times smaller than the diameter of human hair

– Can determine temperature, pressure and other factors about the reservoir when injected

– How do these nanoreporters perform?

• A tag just like bar code in retail pages will be used to identify the nanoreporters .

• Then they will be injected inside the reservoir• Then they will be injected inside the reservoir.

• Depending upon the time they spend inside the earth, scientists can determine the exact location of the oil. 

– These nanoreporters will infiltrate tiny pores in the reservoirs so that they can move freely and collect information. 

AP PhotoRice University professor James Tour holds a bottle containing hundreds of millions of tiny carbon clusters referred to as "nanoreporters" June 15 at his Houston laboratory. The atom‐sized agents, roughly 30,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair, can be injected into wells to detect oil, water and other substances and also provide information about , j , ptemperature, pressure and other factors that can help a company zero in on more oil.

1. http://www.thedailytimes.com/article/20090730/BIZ/907299931

Nanorobotics & Oil contdNanorobotics & Oil contd…

B fit– Benefits• If oil companies could recover 50 percent of the crude in their fields instead of 35 percent, 

it would double the world’s proven reserves of about 1.2 trillion barrels, the IEA says.• The detailed understanding of events inside the earth will 

– Improve the odds of drilling accurately– Lower the cost

– How far we are ?O t h l i till ï i d li ith b t d th t h l i l• Our technology is still naïve in dealing with carbon nanoreporters and other technological breakthroughs. 

• Major breakthroughs are certain in the future but need intense work and funding. 

1. http://www.thedailytimes.com/article/20090730/BIZ/907299931

Nanorobots and Machines

Uses in industry protection and explorationUses in industry, protection and exploration.

Nanocars: A Promise to FutureNanocars: A Promise to FutureR h h d i d l hi• Researchers have designed a nanoscale machine.

– It has wheels , allowing it to roll down surfaces.

– Can be considered a nanocar

• Possible advantages:Possible advantages:

– Can be used in transporting materials like drugs to specific cells

– Can be used in detecting abnormalities and cancerous cells in brain and other part of body

– Can be used to solve queries like the movement of fullerenes in metal surface

1.http://www.media.rice.edu/media/NewsBot.asp?MODE=VIEW&ID=7850&SnID=971109686

2 htt // d t /2009/02/04/ i i it ll t d i d2.http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/04/rice‐university‐rolls‐out‐new‐and‐improved‐nanocar

Nanorobots and Space ExplorationNanorobots and Space Exploration • Scientists are exploring the possibility of using nanorobots in space exploration and future• Scientists are exploring the possibility of using nanorobots in space exploration and future 

habitat development .• The current concept is about using nanorobots in exploring our closest neighbor MARS. • Nanorobots in MARS will

– Detect the preexisting microbes ( if they exist)– Inherit the capability of self replication – Convert atmospheric Carbon Dioxide into Oxygen which will enhance the probability of 

habitation in planet MARShabitation in planet MARS

1. http://www.stormfront.org/forum/showthread.php?t=6303122. http://nanolab.me.cmu.edu/

Nanorobotics and its CounterTerrorism Objective 

• Governments around the world are worried about• Governments around the world are worried about the fact that terrorist activity is growing and these terrorist groups will use chemical poisons as weapons of mass destruction.

• Researchers are looking for a way to detect the chemicals before any chemical attack.

• Nanosensors are possibl the best sol tion• Nanosensors are possibly the best solution.

• Scientists developed a family of chemically modified nanoporous silicon sensors:

– Will use electrochemical techniques to detect a range of chemical and biological compounds.(1)

• Currently, nanosensors can detect chemical vapors at concentrations down to less than ten ppb.

1.http://www.emeraldinsight.com/Insight/ViewContentServlet?Filename=/published/emeraldfulltextarticle/pdf/0870280102.pdf

Energy & oilMilitary & Defense

Summary 

For detection of

y

‐For detection of hidden oil ‐For cleaning Oil Spill‐For energy independence

Nanorobotics

‐Detect and prohibit chemical weapons‐Counter  terrorism independence 

Space Exploration EnvironmentMedicine

‐Clearing CFCs from our atmosphere‐Cleaning chemical &

‐Pharmaceuticals‐Damage tissue repair‐Fighting cancer

‐Mars habitat development Cleaning chemical & 

Oil spill‐Preventing Ozone layer 

g g‐Drug delivery‐ Nanocars‐A Hope to a better future

development ‐Repairing Spacecrafts ‐CO2 conversion 

Kamal Banjara, Lindsey Armstrong , Christopher Arnold, Ahmad Al‐douah