Technology Roadmap of Micro/Nanorobots

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Abstract
Inspired by Richard Feynman's 1959 lecture and the 1966 film Fantastic Voyage, the field of micro/nanorobots has evolved from science fiction to reality, with significant advancements in biomedical and environmental applications. Despite the rapid progress, the deployment of functional micro/nanorobots remains limited. This review of the technology roadmap identifies key challenges hindering their widespread use, focusing on propulsion mechanisms, fundamental theoretical aspects, collective behavior, material design, and embodied intelligence. We explore the current state of micro/nanorobot technology, with an emphasis on applications in biomedicine, environmental remediation, analytical sensing, and other industrial technological aspects. Additionally, we analyze issues related to scaling up production, commercialization, and regulatory frameworks that are crucial for transitioning from research to practical applications. We also emphasize the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to address both technical and nontechnical challenges, such as sustainability, ethics, and business considerations. Finally, we propose a roadmap for future research to accelerate the development of micro/nanorobots, positioning them as essential tools for addressing grand challenges and enhancing the quality of life.
Funding Information
  • Key Technologies Research and Development Program (2022YFA1207000)
  • National Key Research and Development Program of China (2023YFB3507000)
  • National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering
  • Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha (SBPLY/23/180225/000058)
  • ShanghaiTech University (2023F0209-000-02)
  • National Natural Science Foundation of China (22193033, 52125505, 52473254, 62375054, T2322006, U22A20346, U23A20637)
  • National Research Foundation of Korea (RS-2024-00435493)
  • Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
  • Grantová Agentura České Republiky (25-15996S)
  • NextGenerationEU
  • Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
  • Army Research Office (W911NF-18-1-0414)
  • European Regional Development Fund
  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research (FA9550-24-1-0185)
  • Science, Technology and Innovation Commission of Shenzhen Municipality (RCYX20210609103122038)
  • Division of Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems (ECCS-2216131, ECCS-2334134, ECCS-2339495)
  • Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation (CMMI 2323917)
  • Generalitat de Catalunya (2021 SGR 00270, 2021 SGR 01606)
  • Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental and Transport Systems (CBET 2143419, CBET-2318093)
  • Shanghai Rising-Star Program (24QA2700700)
  • National Science Foundation
  • Research Grants Council, University Grants Committee (R4015-2, RFS2122-4S03, STG1/E-401/23-N)
  • Israel Science Foundation (2899/21)
  • Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (CEX2021-001202-M, CEX2023-001282-S, PID 2021-124568NB-I00, PID2020-116612RB-C33, PID2022-137713NB-C21, PID2023-148899OA-I00, PID2023-151682NA-I00, PID2023-152298NB-I00, RYC2020-945030119-I, RYC2021-031075-I, TED2021- 14 132720B-I00, TED2021-129898B-C21)
  • HORIZON EUROPE European Innovation Council (101047081)
  • Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung (198643, 213058)
  • Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
  • Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (535275785)
  • H2020 Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (101126600)
  • H2020 Future and Emerging Technologies (952152)
  • Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (24520750200, 24CL2900200)
  • H2020 European Research Council (101076680, 853309, 853609, 866348)
  • MSU Innovation Center
  • International Science and Technology Cooperation Program of Shanghai (24490710900)
  • Shanghai Talent Program
  • Heilongjiang Provincial Key Research and Development Program (2022ZX02C23)
  • Henry Ford Hospital
  • Shenzhen Science and Technology Program (RCJC20231211090000001)

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