nanite
Tiny autonomous robot
A nanite is a microscopic robot, typically imagined at the molecular or cellular scale.
The term belongs mostly to science fiction, where nanites swarm through bloodstreams to repair tissue, consume matter, or reshape bodies: The nanites rebuilt her damaged spine.
Real nanotechnology hasn't yet produced autonomous machines matching the fictional concept.
Miniature autonomous machine
- nanomachineMolecule-sized autonomous device
- nanoroboticsMolecular-scale machine science
- self-assemblySpontaneous structural organization
- nanomedicineMolecular-level medical technology
nanoparticle · nanofabrication · nanocircuitry · nanocomposite · graphene · quantum dots · biocompatibility · swarm
Uncontrolled nanotechnology doomsday scenario
- replicatorThing that duplicates
- swarm intelligenceDecentralized group decision-making
- BorgCybernetic collective species
- cyborgOrganic-mechanical hybrid entity
transhumanism · singularity · augmentation · hive mind · self-replicating · terraforming · body modification · cyberpunk
Too small for eyes
- molecularOf tiny particles
- atomicOf elemental particles
- submicroscopicToo small for optical viewing
- infinitesimalQuantity approaching zero
invisible · minuscule · angstrom · particle · miniaturized · ultrafine · microstructure
Able to accept instructions
- self-replicatingAble to duplicate autonomously
- autonomousSelf-directed and free
- precisionAccuracy of measurement
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
assembly · disassembly · repair · construction · sensing · targeting · controlled · adaptive
Sending to specific destination
- drug deliveryConveying medicine to tissues
- cancer treatmentMedical intervention for malignancy
- bloodstreamFlow through vessels
- diagnosticTest to identify problems
imaging · therapeutic · biosensor · tissue regeneration · surgical · implant · healing · antibacterial
microbot
Miniature autonomous machine
- nanomachineMolecule-sized autonomous device
- nanoroboticsMolecular-scale machine science
- self-assemblySpontaneous structural organization
nanomedicine · nanoparticle · nanofabrication · nanocircuitry · nanocomposite · graphene · quantum dots · biocompatibility · swarm · replication
grey goo
Uncontrolled nanotechnology doomsday scenario
- replicatorThing that duplicates
- swarm intelligenceDecentralized group decision-making
- BorgCybernetic collective species
cyborg · transhumanism · singularity · augmentation · hive mind · self-replicating · terraforming · body modification · cyberpunk · Star Trek
microscopic
Too small for eyes
- molecularOf tiny particles
- atomicOf elemental particles
- submicroscopicToo small for optical viewing
infinitesimal · invisible · minuscule · angstrom · particle · miniaturized · ultrafine · microstructure
programmable
Able to accept instructions
- self-replicatingAble to duplicate autonomously
- autonomousSelf-directed and free
- precisionAccuracy of measurement
manipulation · assembly · disassembly · repair · construction · sensing · targeting · controlled · adaptive · coordinated
targeted delivery
Sending to specific destination
- drug deliveryConveying medicine to tissues
- cancer treatmentMedical intervention for malignancy
- bloodstreamFlow through vessels
diagnostic · imaging · therapeutic · biosensor · tissue regeneration · surgical · implant · healing · antibacterial
- nanobotsnanobots, nanomachine, nanomachines, nanoswarm, nanoprobe
nanitegiant robot
Enormous mechanical humanoid machine
mecha · colossus · megastructure · titan · goliath