The New Childrens Encyclopedia

NANOTECHNOLOGY

269

 A WATERREPELLENT fabric is

covered with a layer of nanoparticles.

The water forms a near-perfect sphere

as it touches the waterproof layer and

rolls away from the fabric. The droplets

collect dirt as they roll over the surface

and so they clean the fabric, too.

NANOTECHNOLOGY IN ACTION

Scientists have already made tiny electric

motors, gears, and springs that are just a few

hundred nanometers across. In the future, they

hope to connect these miniature parts to make

nanomachines and nanorobots. These devices

could be used to help surgeons repair the human

body from the inside or they could circulate in

our blood and attack harmful germs.

Robotic ants Scientists are using microrobotic ants to study

the behavior of real ants. Nanotechnology helps in the

manufacture of the tiny electronic circuits that control the

movement of the robots.

 A ROBOT FLY is similar

in size to a real fly, but the

electronic components inside the

robot fly are nanometers across.

Common fly Robotic fly

TECHNOLOGY

Everyday nanotechnology While

the future uses of nanotechnology

may lie with hi-tech industries such

as electronics and robotics, this

emerging technology has already

found uses in many everyday items,

ranging from clothing and paints to

cosmetics and health-care products.

 NANOPARTICLES

in sunscreen ensure even

coverage and do not leave

white marks on the skin.

 ONE IDEA that’s out of
this world is to use carbon
nanotubes to build a space
elevator that could transport
people on Earth to the Moon.

Scientists are looking at

the possibility of using

strong nanomaterials to

build very tall skyscrapers.

Carbon nanotubes are one

possibility. The carbon

atoms in these tiny tubes

form hexagon shapes,

making them extremely

strong and lightweight.

Engineers could use the

carbon nanotubes as the

supporting structures

for the skyscrapers.

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