Microbots and miniature robotics.

[Omits]

These are stealth devices in my mind. Not many items in the search here. Looking for list and ideas as to when and in what applications they will be used. Will there be an explosion of use both military, terrorist activities, scientific, in Space or wherever?

 

[Harpo]

Here are two previous threads on nanotechnology

Real Nanotechnology

See some real Nanotech. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/11/18/belling_that_cat_oz_boffins_pass_entanglement_test/ Real nanotech is making small structures, often using laser tweezers or Tunnelling Electron Microscopes or other fabrication techniques. Metamaterials are often nano-scale...

www.sffchronicles.com

Self assembling nano technology

http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99994406 excerpt: A functional electronic nano-device has been manufactured using biological self-assembly for the first time. Israeli scientists harnessed the construction capabilities of DNA and the electronic properties of carbon nanotubes...

www.sffchronicles.com

 

[Wayne Mack]

I foresee the biggest use of miniature robotics for medical purposes. There is a physical constraint on the usable size, which isn't true in most other cases. The robots, though, will be human controlled and not under the direction of a program or AI.

For other uses, I don't see a need for anything smaller than current robotic vacuums and, in most cases, they will be larger to take advantage of greater application of force. The smaller robots would be useful for inspections and searches in areas too small or too dangerous for humans.