What's in the Air?

Lecture at West Point about Nanorobotics: Military Applications
Introduction
The Modern War Institute (MWI) studies recent conflicts to prepare military leaders.
This video lecture focuses on nanorobotics in medicine and military applications.
Nanorobotics: An Emerging Field
Defined as manipulation or construction of robots at the nanometer scale.
Current research focuses on manipulating nanoparticles with tools like AFM or STM.
Long-term goals include self-replicating robots for assembling materials.
Military Applications
Microbots (millimeter scale)
Attack microbots for targeted attacks with various effectors.
Sensor microbots for data collection, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
Deployment methods include aerosols, larger platforms, or autonomous movement.
Nanorobots
Proposed for manipulating materials at the atomic level.
More likely application is in creating miniaturized components for microrobots.
Technical Feasibility by 2035
Analysis suggests miniaturized electronics and sensors will be possible by 2035.
Challenges include reliable 3D circuit stacking and integration.
Sensors for Microrobots
Existing technology shows promise for miniaturizing nuclear, biological, and chemical sensors.
Integration onto microrobot-sized substrates is achievable by 2035.
Background: Advantages of Aerosol Technology
Traditionally used for biomedical applications to create nanoparticles.
Offers precise size control and continuous production compared to other methods.
Note:
This lecture does not discuss current applications of nanorobotics in the military.
The focus is on potential future uses based on expected technological advancements.