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We may soon be hearing much more about nanotechnology and its potential to have a major impact across a wide range of industrial and consumer-facing applications. Nanotechnologists focus on the study and engineering of materials at the nanoscale level (between 1 and 100 nanometers). Such materials may have unique properties and capabilities we’ve never seen before.
While those of us who aren’t tech specialists may struggle to come to grips with the details, we can all marvel at the potential innovations nanotechnology may soon bring to our global society. Here, 17 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss some new and progressing developments in nanotechnology and how they may impact us all in the future.
1. Advances In Addressing Neurodiversity And Disabilities
Nanotechnology plays a role in technology ecosystems addressing neurodiversity, disability (such as cerebral palsy) and accessibility. It includes exoskeleton and adaptive fabrics, social robotics and wearables, interconnected devices, and chips that can expand the abilities of those who are disabled through data and impulse analysis, interaction with caregivers, and multiconnected education and workplace solutions. - Yonah Welker, Yonah.ai
2. Graphene As An Accurate And Efficient Sensor Material
The use of graphene as a sensor material could revolutionize various industries, including healthcare, environmental monitoring and security, by providing highly accurate and efficient sensing capabilities. It could be used in medical devices for early disease detection, in environmental sensors to monitor air and water quality, and in security sensors to detect chemical and biological threats. - Miguel Llorca, Torrent Group
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3. Nanorobot Applications In Multiple Industries
Nanorobots—tiny machines performing tasks at the molecular level—are a new development in nanotechnology. Nanorobots could potentially be used in the healthcare industry for targeted drug delivery and precision surgery. Additional applications include environmental cleanup, manufacturing and material science. This will revolutionize multiple industries by enabling more efficient and precise processes. - Ishraq Khan, Kodezi
4. Upgrades To Computers And Other Digital Devices
Nanotechnology could impact everything about computers, of course, and computers are a multiplier for everything. Computers with MRAM can boot almost instantly. Nanotechnology can produce high-speed and compact transistors as well as very high-definition televisions and computers. It may also lead to new ultra-flexible and foldable devices. - Ivan Shkvarun, Social Links
5. Personalized, Smart Living Spaces
Nanotechnology has opened a treasure trove of possibilities for the modern home, allowing consumers to purchase the smart home technology that suits them. With devices now being on a smaller scale and available across a wide price range, the future is brighter than ever when it comes to personalizing your living space with more innovation. - Matt Pierce, Immediate
6. More Durable And Energy-Efficient Buildings
Scientists are using nanomaterials in construction to create more durable and energy-efficient buildings. Nanomaterials can also make buildings self-healing, reducing the need for repairs. In the future, nanotechnology could improve the construction industry by making buildings more resilient. It could also have applications in other industries including transportation, electronics and healthcare. - Anton Abyzov, Softgreat
7. Water Testing And Treatment
Nanotechnology can help scientists test and treat water to provide clean drinking water, which will yield positive results in agriculture, manufacturing and everything around us. It will have a major impact on solving the problems of pollution and global water scarcity. - Mouhamad Kawas, Kuality AI
8. ‘Green’ Growth In Agricultural Productivity
Nano agritech is the next best use case for nanotechnology after its potential applications in the medical industry. Using nanopesticides, nanofertilizers, nanozeolites and hydrogels will stimulate plant growth and promote a sustainable increase in agricultural productivity (which is urgently needed in light of the predicted growth in the global population). Through nanotechnology, farms can see a significant increase in yield without an adverse environmental impact. - Spiros Liolis, EYP Mission Critical Facilities, Part of Ramboll
9. Medical Condition Monitoring And Targeted Treatment
Nanosensors can be used for the early diagnosis and continuous monitoring of various medical conditions, leading to faster and more accurate treatments. They can also enable targeted drug delivery, ensuring that medications reach the specific site where they’re needed most, minimizing side effects and improving patient outcomes. - Ken Pomella, RevStar
10. Enhanced Access To Big Data
I’m interested to see how nanotechnology will grow alongside the need for big data. Nanotech allows teams to store massive quantities of data in a limited space. Employees can easily access this information instantaneously, saving time and money. I believe we will see tech experts find more uses for nanotech in the years to come. - Thomas Griffin, OptinMonster
11. Nanocellulose As An Eco-Friendly Alternative To Plastics
Nanocellulose, a lightweight, strong and renewable material, can revolutionize industries ranging from construction to healthcare. It can be used as a sustainable alternative to plastics in wound dressings and other medical applications and as a strengthening agent in concrete and other building materials. Its versatility and eco-friendliness make it a promising material for the future. - Andres Zunino, ZirconTech
12. DNA Origami
DNA origami, a technique for folding DNA strands into nanostructures, has unique applications, including targeted drug delivery, sensitive biosensors, precise nanoelectronics, advanced nanophotonics and nanorobotics for tasks such as drug delivery and cell repair. Although still in the early stages, DNA origami has the potential to significantly impact industries from medicine to computing and beyond. - Justin Fulcher, RingMD
13. New Teaching Aids And Learning Tools
The use of nanotechnology in education has the potential to revolutionize the behavioral science behind the ways we teach and learn by enabling the development of new teaching aids and learning tools. For example, smart materials that can respond to changes in temperature or light could be used to create interactive displays and educational games that respond to a student’s touch or movement. - Madhavi Shankar, SpaceBasic
14. Nanocomposites For Lighter, Stronger Aircraft And Automobiles
In the aerospace and automotive industries, the use of lightweight, stronger nanocomposite materials can lead to more sustainable solutions through improved fuel efficiency and performance and reduced carbon emissions. Nanotech could also enable the construction of safer, more durable vehicles and aircraft. - Hassan Abbas, Ericsson
15. Nanobots That Carry Out Critical Natural Functions
We may soon see artificial nanobots that simulate creatures and functions in nature. For example, scientists are working on nanobot versions of bees that can act as artificial pollinators. Right now, we ship beehives around the world to pollinate crops, causing stress on the bees, decreasing their numbers and spreading diseases. We can use nanobots instead of these precious, fragile organisms to secure our food supply and protect nature. - Adam Sandman, Inflectra Corporation
16. Higher-Energy, Faster-Charging Batteries
One of the most exciting developments in nanotechnology is the use of nanomaterials to develop batteries with higher energy densities and faster charging. This could revolutionize how many industries, including the automotive, medical and consumer electronics industries, power their products. - Sandro Shubladze, Datamam
17. Safer, More Efficient Space Exploration
Nanotechnology can be leveraged for space applications in the form of nano-sized sensors and materials. These nanomaterials can create lighter and more durable spacecraft, as well as sensors that can detect radiation and other environmental factors. This will significantly improve the safety and efficiency of space exploration and make it possible to explore more distant and hostile environments. - Shelli Brunswick, Space Foundation
