© Copyright 2000-2002, Robert A. Freitas Jr.
All rights reserved.
In the 1980s and 1990s, a handful of authors began speculating about the physical forms that future medical nanorobots might take. A few created artist’s conceptions of their devices. During this time, only the broadest analyses of the missions and capabilities that might be desired had been attempted. Detailed technical and engineering studies, in many cases, still lay years in the future. Despite this handicap, some of these designs have many plausible elements, along with other elements which, in hindsight, may appear fanciful, impractical, or even dangerous. These speculations continue through the present.
Images are provided from both the mechanical and biological traditions of medical nanotechnology, although there is a primary emphasis on the former. References to original print or electronic sources are given whenever possible.
T4 Bacteriophage
Cell Repair Machines I
Cell Repair Machines II
Nanosubmarine
Cell Repair Machines III
Cell Repair Machines IV
The Chrysalis
DNA Repair Machines
Immune Machines
Nanotech. Playhouse I
Nanotech. Playhouse II
Nanotech. Playhouse III
Nanotech. Playhouse IV
Nanotech. Playhouse V
Cell Repair Machines V
Cell Repair Machines VI
Cell Repair Machines VII
Cell Repair Machines VIII
Molecular Machines
Artery Cleaner
Anatomy of a Nanoprobe
Nanomedicine Theme
Micro-Medics 2
Bloodstream Micro-Medics
Virtual Nanomedicine
Bloodstream Hexabot
Toward the Breach
Conceptual Nanobots