View source for Nanotechnology in fiction

{{Short description|Fictional uses of nanotechnology}}
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{{Nanotech}}
The use of '''nanotechnology in fiction''' has attracted scholarly attention.<ref>Colin Milburn, [http://www.dukeupress.edu/books.php3?isbn=978-0-8223-4265-6 ''Nanovision: Engineering the Future''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091223071626/http://www.dukeupress.edu/books.php3?isbn=978-0-8223-4265-6 |date=2009-12-23 }}, Duke University Press, 2008 {{ISBN|0-8223-4265-0}}</ref><ref>[http://scx.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/29/1/65 "Tiny Tech, Transcendent Tech&nbsp;– Nanotechnology, Science Fiction, and the Limits of Modern Science Talk"] by Daniel Patrick Thurs in ''Science Communication'', Vol. 29, No. 1, 65–95 (2007)</ref><ref>[http://www.hyle.org/journal/issues/10-2/lopez.htm Bridging the Gaps: Science Fiction in Nanotechnology] by José López in ''International Journal for Philosophy of Chemistry'', Vol. 10, No.2 (2004), pp. 129–152.</ref><ref>[http://www.nature.com/nnano/journal/v3/n4/full/nnano.2008.74.html "The Literature of Promises"] by Chris Toumey in ''Nature Nanotechnology'', Vol. 3, No. 4 (2008), pp. 180–181.</ref> The first use of the distinguishing concepts of nanotechnology was "[[There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom]]", a talk given by physicist [[Richard Feynman]] in 1959. [[K. Eric Drexler]]'s 1986 book ''[[Engines of Creation]]'' introduced the general public to the concept of nanotechnology. Since then, nanotechnology has been used frequently in a diverse range of fiction, often as a justification for unusual or far-fetched occurrences featured in [[speculative fiction]].<ref name=bly>Bly, Robert W., 2005, ''The Science In Science Fiction: 83 SF Predictions that Became Scientific Reality'', BenBella Books, Inc., {{ISBN|1-932100-48-2}}.</ref>

==Notable examples==

=== Literature ===

In 1931, [[Boris Zhitkov]] wrote a short story called ''Microhands'' ([[wikisource:ru:Микроруки (Житков)|Микроруки]]), where the narrator builds for himself a pair of microscopic [[remote manipulator]]s, and uses them for fine tasks like [[eye surgery]]. When he attempts to build even smaller manipulators to be manipulated by the first pair, the story goes into detail about the problem of regular materials behaving differently on a microscopic scale.

In his 1956 short story ''[[The Next Tenants]]'', [[Arthur C. Clarke]] describes tiny machines that operate at the micrometre scale – although not strictly [[Nanometre|nanoscale]] (billionth of a meter), they are the first fictional example of the concepts now associated with nanotechnology.

A concept similar to nanotechnology, called "micromechanical devices", was described in Lem's 1959 novel ''[[Eden (Lem novel)|Eden]]'' These devices were used by the aliens as "seeds" to grow a wall around the human spaceship.  <ref> [http://niniwa22.cba.pl/doktryna_nieingerencji.htm Doktryna nieingerencji], In: Marek Oramus, Bogowie Lema''</ref>
[[Stanislaw Lem]]'s 1964 novel ''[[The Invincible]]'' involves the discovery of an artificial ecosystem of minuscule robots, although like in Clarke's story they are larger than what is strictly meant by the term 'nanotechnology'.

[[Robert Silverberg]]'s 1969 short story ''How It Was when the Past Went Away'' describes nanotechnology{{huh|date=September 2020|reason=how this technology was called in the story?}} being used in the construction of stereo loudspeakers, with a thousand speakers per inch.<ref name=bly/>

The 1984 novel ''[[Peace on Earth (novel)|Peace on Earth]]'' by [[Stanislaw Lem]] tells about small bacteria-sized nanorobots looking like normal dust (developed by artificial intelligence placed by humans on the Moon in the era of cold warfare) that has later came to Earth and are replicating, destroying all weapons, modern technology and software, leaving living organisms (as there were no living organisms on the Moon) intact.

The 1985 novel ''[[Blood Music (novel)|Blood Music]]'' by [[Greg Bear]] (originally a 1983 short story) features genetically engineered white blood cells that eventually learn to manipulate matter on an atomic scale.

The 1991 [[novelization]] of ''[[Terminator 2: Judgment Day]]'', authored by [[Randall Frakes]], expands the origin story of the [[T-1000]] Terminator through the inclusion of a [[prologue]] set in the future. It is explained that the T-1000 is a 'Nanomorph', that was created by [[Skynet (Terminator)|Skynet]], through the use of programmable Nanotechnology. This was only implied in the film itself.

The 1992 novel ''[[Assemblers of Infinity]]'' is a science-fiction novel authored by Kevin J. Anderson and Doug Beason. The plot line makes specific mention of nano-assembly and nano-disassembly robots, along with admonitions regarding the dangers that these bacteria-sized machines might pose.

In [[Kim Stanley Robinson]]'s ''[[Red Mars]]'' (1992), the extraordinary tensile strength of [[carbon nanotubes]] is used to create a tether for a [[space elevator]], which connects [[Mars]] to an asteroid that has been led into orbit around the planet. The space elevator speeds travel of people and materials between Earth and Mars, but creates tension between factions &mdash; and is later destroyed.

[[Neal Stephenson]]'s 1995 novel ''[[The Diamond Age]]'' is set in a world where nanotechnology is commonplace. Nanoscale warfare, fabrication at the molecular scale, and self-assembling islands all exist.

The morphing technology in ''[[Animorphs]]'' is described as a form of nanotechnology that allows its users to transform into other animal and alien species, as well as members of their own species.

The ''[[Trinity Blood]]'' series features an alien nanomachine found on Mars which is present in the body of the protagonist, Abel Nighroad. These nanomachines are known as Krusnik nanomachines, and feed on the cells of vampires.

Nanobots (called Nanoes) are central to [[Stel Pavlou]]'s novel ''[[Decipher (novel)|Decipher]]'' (2001).

[[Michael Crichton]]'s novel ''[[Prey (novel)|Prey]]'' (2002) is a cautionary tale about the possible risks of developing nanotechnology.<ref name=schwarz>Schwarz, James A., Contescu, Cristian I., Putyera, Karol, 2004, ''Dekker Encyclopedia of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology'', CRC Press, {{ISBN|0-8247-5050-0}}.</ref> In ''Prey'', a swarm of molecule-sized [[nanorobots]] develop intelligence and become a large scale threat.

[[Robert Ludlum]]'s 2005 novel ''[[The Lazarus Vendetta]]'' also focuses around nanotechnology, focusing mainly on its ability to cure cancer.

The 2006 children's novel ''The Doomsday Dust'' (book 4 in the ''Spy Gear Adventures'' series by Rick Barba) features a nanite swarm as the villain.

A nanomorph, term first coined by [[science fiction]] writer [[David Pulver]] in 1986's ''[[GURPS Robots]]'', is a fictional [[robot]] entirely made of [[nanomachine]]s. Its brain is distributed throughout its whole body, which also acts as an all-around sensor, hence making it impossible to surprise as long as the target is on line of sight. A nanomorph is arguably the robotic ultimate in versatility, maybe even in power.{{Citation needed|date=April 2007}} Further uses of the concept could include using parts of its body as a tracking device, splitting the body for doing several tasks, or merging two nanomorphs in a greater one, or else gliding/flying in an [[ornithopter]]-like way (by molding itself like a giant, articulated [[kite]]). A common but facultative (without this feature, it would still qualify as a nanomorph) improvement is the ability to cover itself with specific colors and textures in a realistic looking manner (the ultimate being to look like a human, à la [[doppelgänger]]).

In ''[[The Expanse (novel series)|the Expanse]]'' series, the protomolecule was created by a race of ancient aliens and sent to star systems across the galaxy to terraform planets into habitable worlds and develop a gateway network to facilitate interstellar travel. The protomolecule had the ability to consume biomass and technology and utilize them to serve various different functions. Numerous violent conflicts were fought between factions of humanity, notably the United Nations, Martian Congressional Republic, Outer Planets Alliance, and Laconian Empire, for control of this technology.  

[[Rudy Rucker]]'s 2007 novel ''[[Postsingular]]'' depicts the protagonists' experiences with three generations of swarm nanorobots: "nants", which are initially tasked with consuming the Earth and Moon (including organic life) to create a virtual Earth before being reversed; "orphids", tasked with a more ubiquitous and assistive role in [[Augmented reality|augmenting reality]], [[Brain–computer interface|interfacing with human thought]] and even enabling interdimensional travel; and "silps", which accomplish the Singularity by replacing the previous generations of nanorobots and enable organic beings and inorganic material on Earth to express sentient, intelligible thought to each other. Rucker's 2009 sequel ''Hylozoic'' continues the protagonists' experiences with silps after the Singularity as they enable interstellar and interdimensional travel and communication with Earth by extraterrestrial beings who have already experienced similar Singularities themselves.   

=== Film and television ===
One of the first mentions on a television show was an announcement to students over the school loudspeakers in the 1987 ''[[Max Headroom (TV series)|Max Headroom]]'' episode, "[[Academy (Max Headroom)|Academy]]" that, "Nanotechnology pod test results are posted in the Submicron Lab for your viewing."

The anime series ''[[Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex]]'' employs a plotline heavily involved in the use of "micromachines" as a form of treatment against complex diseases after a subject undergoing cyberisation.

In the ''[[Star Trek]]'' universe, from ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation]]'' onward, the [[Borg (Star Trek)|Borg]] use nanomachines, referred to as ''nanoprobes'', to assimilate individuals into their collective. In another episode, an experiment by [[Wesley Crusher]] gone awry led to [[nanites]] developing a collective intelligence and interfering with ship systems, eventually being deposited on a planet to establish their own civilization.

On the television show ''[[Red Dwarf]]'', nanobots played a notable role in series VII to IX. Nanobots are nanotechnology created to be a self-repair system for [[android (robot)|android]]s like [[Kryten]] as they can also change anything into anything else. Kryten's nanobots grow bored of their duties and take over the ship ''Red Dwarf'', leaving the crew to try and recapture it aboard the smaller ''Starbug''. In the end the ship they are chasing is actually a smaller ''Red Dwarf'' built by the nanobots (which evaded their scanners in the end by coming aboard ''Starbug''), with the rest being changed into a planet. Once the crew discover this and find the nanobots, they force them to rebuild ''Red Dwarf'' (as well as [[Dave Lister]]'s then-missing arm). In the end the nanobots build an enhanced ''Red Dwarf'' based on the original design plans. They also resurrect the original full crew killed in the [[The End (Red Dwarf)|first episode]].

The episode [[The New Breed (The Outer Limits)|The New Breed]] of the show ''[[The Outer Limits (1995 TV series)|Outer Limits]]'' featured nanobots.

Nanobots were also featured during the [[Syfy|Sci-Fi Channel]] era of ''[[Mystery Science Theater 3000]]'', where they were known as "nanites". They were depicted on the show as microscopic, bug-like, freestanding robots with distinct personalities.

Nanotechnology appeared several times in the TV series ''[[Stargate SG-1]]'' and ''[[Stargate Atlantis]]'', in the form of the [[Replicator (Stargate)|replicator]]s and the [[Asurans]], respectively. A "nanovirus" is also seen in ''Stargate Atlantis''.

In ''[[Cowboy Bebop: The Movie]]'' (2001), a criminal blows up a tanker trunk containing a nanobot virus that instantly kills thousands.

In the 2003 film ''[[Agent Cody Banks]]'', a scientist creates nanobots programmed to clean up oil spills.

In the 2004 film ''[[I, Robot (film)|I, Robot]]'', nanites are used to wipe out artificial intelligence in the event of a malfunction and are depicted as a liquid containing tiny silver objects.

In the 2005 ''[[Doctor Who]]'' television episode "[[The Empty Child]]/[[The Doctor Dances]]" a metal cylinder falls from space and lands in [[World War II]]-era [[London]], releasing nanobots which transform every human they come into contact with into [[gas mask]]-wearing zombies, like the first human they encountered, a gas mask-wearing child.

In the 2008 film ''[[The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008 film)|The Day the Earth Stood Still]]'', the alien robot "GORT" disintegrates into a swarm of self-replicating nanobots shaped like bugs that cover Earth and destroy all humans and artificial structures by seemingly devouring them within seconds.

The revamped ''[[Knight Rider (2008 TV series)|Knight Rider]]'' television series and TV movie incorporate nanotechnology into the Knight Industries Three Thousand (KITT), allowing it to change color and shape, as well as providing abilities such as self-regeneration.

In the 2009 film ''[[G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra]]'', the main plot is to save the world from a warhead containing deadly nanobots called the "Nanomites", which if detonated over a city could destroy it in hours.

The popular NBC science fiction show, ''[[Revolution (TV series)|Revolution]]'', is based on a worldwide blackout due to the manipulation of nanotechnology.

In 2010 ''[[Generator Rex]]'' was shown on Cartoon Network. It was based on a laboratory experiment going wrong and infecting the world with bad "Nanites" which turned people into monsters known as E.V.Os.

In the ''Ben 10'' series, there is a nanotechnology-based alien species called Nanochips, who first appeared in the live-action movie [[Ben 10: Alien Swarm]].

Nanotechnology is featured heavily within the ''[[Terminator (franchise)|Terminator]]'' film series. The 1991 film ''[[Terminator 2: Judgment Day]]'' and 2015 film ''[[Terminator: Genisys]]'' feature the [[T-1000]] terminator. The T-1000 is composed of Mimetic Polyalloy, a liquid metal that utilizes nanites for shapeshifting abilities; Giving the T-1000 the ability to mimic anyone it samples through physical contact.  It can also form its arms into blades and stabbing weapons and instantly recover from any damage. In the 2003 film ''[[Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines]]'' a new terminator, the ''[[T-X]]'', also utilities Mimetic Polyalloy for shapeshifting abilities; like the T-1000 it can mimic anyone it touches. The T-X is also equipped with nanotechnological transjectors, and can infect and control other machines using nanites.

In ''[[Terminator Genisys]]'', human resistance leader [[John Connor]] is infected with "machine phase matter" by a T-5000 terminator, transforming John into a "[[T-3000]]". The T-3000, like the T-1000 and T-X units, has shapeshifting and replication abilities. This unit's deadly structure gives the T-3000 the unique ability to instantly scatter into particles and then quickly reform to avoid harmful impact as well as instantly recovering from damage.

In the 2014 film ''[[Transcendence (2014 film)|Transcendence]]'', the uploaded consciousness of Will Caster (Johnny Depp) uses nanotechnology to turn himself, and the local townsfolk, into a self-healing defense force with superhuman strength.

In Venture Brothers Season 6 Episode 3 "[[List of The Venture Bros. episodes#ep66|Faking Miracles]]" a laboratory accident leads nanobots to enter Dean Venture's body. Billy Quizboy and Peter White take remote control of the nanobots, inadvertently torturing Dean to showcase the power of the nanobots to Dr. Venture. Eventually they are used, unbeknownst to Dean, to improve his intelligence so that he can pass an entrance examination for college. In the post-credit scene Dean painfully urinates them out like a set of kidney stones.

Nanotechnology is featured in the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]] (MCU):

* In the 2018 film ''[[Black Panther (film)|Black Panther]]'', the [[T'Challa (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|titular character]]'s [[Black Panther suit (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|suit of armor]] is made of nanites stored in a necklace when not in use.
* In the 2018 film ''[[Avengers: Infinity War]]'', [[Tony Stark (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Tony Stark]]'s [[Iron Man's armor (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Iron Man Mark L Armor]] is also made of nanites housed in Stark's [[Arc reactor (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|arc reactor]]. [[Peter Parker (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Spider-Man]]'s [[Iron Spider (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Iron Spider suit]], also created by Stark, uses nanotechnology as well.
* In the 2019 film ''[[Avengers: Endgame]]'', Stark incorporates nanotechnology into his Mark LXXXV Armor as well as the [[Features of the Marvel Cinematic Universe#Time Suits|Time Suits]] that the [[Avengers (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Avengers]] use to travel through the [[Quantum Realm]].
* In the 2021 film ''[[Spider-Man: No Way Home]]'', [[Otto Octavius (film character)|Otto Octavius]] rips [[Peter Parker (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Parker]]'s [[nanotechnology]] from his [[Iron Spider (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Iron Spider]] suit which bonds with his mechanical tentacles and allows Parker to disable them.

=== Computer games ===
In ''[[PlanetSide (video game)|PlanetSide]]'' and ''[[PlanetSide 2]]'', nanites are used to fabricate weapons, vehicles, structures, equipment, and even resurrect human bodies. The development of rebirthing technology has allowed soldiers achieve [[immortality]] by downloading their consciousness into a new body composed entirely of nanites.

In ''[[Rise of the Robots]]'' and ''[[Rise 2: Resurrection]]'', A nanomorth features a gynoid known as the Supervisor which composed of [[Chromium]] element, a liquid metal that utilizes nanites for shapeshifting abilities and a [[Swarm intelligence|hive mind]] constructed from trillions of [[Nanorobotics|nanobots]] in a sealed central chamber within Metropolis 4 . Due to the corruption of the EGO virus which infect the Supervisor, she now controls the Electrocorp and all other machines in Metropolis 4.

In ''[[Total Annihilation]]'' nanobots are used to build structures.

In some games of the ''[[Mortal Kombat]]'' series, the character Smoke is a cloud of nanobots.

In ''[[System Shock 2]]'' (1999), "nanites" are used as currency as well as a type of weapon ammo.

In ''[[Deus Ex (video game)|Deus Ex]]'' (2000), nanotechnology is an important part of both the plot and game mechanics. A very dangerous technology in the wrong hands, it provides a number of superhuman abilities to the protagonist along with novel approaches to weaponry such as the coveted Dragon's Tooth Sword.

The [[MMORPG]] ''[[Anarchy Online]]'' (launched 2001) is set on a planet with well-developed nanotechnology, which generally is used as magic in fantasy-themed games.

In ''[[Metal Gear Solid (1998 video game)|Metal Gear Solid]]'' (1998) the protagonist got nanomachines to supply and administer adrenalin, nutrients, sugar, nootropics, and benzedrine and to recharge a Codec's battery. The protagonist of ''[[Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty|Metal Gear Solid 2]]'' (2001) had artificial blood infused with nanomachine that served functions such as healing. ''[[Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots|Metal Gear Solid 4]]'' (2008) featured a great deal of nanotechnology, such as the Sons of the Patriots, an artificial intelligence/nanomachine network that regulated and enhanced the actions of every lawful combatant in the world. In ''[[Metal Gear Rising Revengeance]]'' (2013) the main antagonist [[List of characters in the Metal Gear series#Senator Armstrong|Senator Armstrong]] also augments himself with nanotechnology.

In ''[[Red Faction]]'' (2001), nanotechnology is used on Mars to control miners, and ''[[Red Faction Guerilla]]'' (2009) features nanotechnology, in particular a device called the Nano Forge, as a major plot point.

The computer game [[Hostile Waters (game)|Hostile Waters]] features a narrative involving nanotech assemblers.

In the ''[[Ratchet & Clank]]'' series, the health system involves nanotechnology. The nanotech can be upgraded by purchase in the first game, or by defeating enemies in other games of the series.

Nanotechnology is also found in ''[[Crysis]]'' (2007), ''[[Crysis 2]]'' (2011), and [[Crysis 3]] (2013).  The protagonists of these games are equipped with a "Nano Suit", which enables them to become stronger, invisible, heavily armored, etc.

In ''[[Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2]]'' (2009), [[Reed Richards]] creates nanites that are meant to control the minds of supervillains. However, the nanites evolve into a group mind called the Fold which serves as the primary antagonist for the game.

In ''[[SpaceChem]]'' the player has to build molecular assembler/disassemblers using nanomachines called "Waldos" controlled by a [[visual programming language]].

The Distant Stars expansion for ''[[Stellaris (video game)|Stellaris]]'' heavily features nanotechnology in many aspects.

=== Comics and other media ===

In the manga series ''[[Battle Angel Alita: Last Order]]'', nanotechnology is referenced numerously and its use is heavily restricted, owing to the loss of Mercury as a potential planetary colony due to a [[grey goo]] catastrophe. Its danger and control has become one of the main driving narratives in the story.

In Dx13: Nano A Mano<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mangamagazine.net/read-manga/Dx13-nano-a-mano/5210/0/0?lang=en|title=Dx13: Nano a Mano|access-date=2013-11-10|publisher=by Kirupagaren Kanni|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131110123148/http://www.mangamagazine.net/read-manga/Dx13-nano-a-mano/5210/0/0?lang=en|archive-date=2013-11-10}}</ref> - a manga series by Kirupagaren Kanni - the protagonist uses nanobots to create a giant [[mecha]], which is remotely controlled by custom-built equipment such as electronic glove, microphones, cameras, etc.

Nanomites appear in the ''[[G.I. Joe (comics)#Devil's Due Publishing|G.I. Joe Reinstated]]'' series published by Devil's Due.

In the anime and manga series ''[[Black Cat (manga)|Black Cat]]'', Eve has the ability to manipulate nanomachines. Nanobots are later used for a variety of purposes, from turning victims into berserk warriors to granting Creed Diskenth immortality.

In the anime and manga series ''[[To Love-Ru]]'', the Transformation Weapons Golden Darkness and Mea Kurosaki have nanomachines within them, in the same manner as Eve from Black Cat.

In the anime and manga series ''[[Project ARMS]]'', the ARMS are weapons made from many nanomachines imbued into compatible biological beings, granting them a great variety of combative abilities and regeneration. The four protagonists each have an ARMS that have artificial intelligence, but the Keith series and the modulated ARMS do not.

In the LEGO franchise ''[[Bionicle|BIONICLE]]'', it is eventually revealed that all characters from the 2001–2008 storyline are biomechanical nanobots (though roughly human-sized, given the size of the gigantic robot they inhabit (12,192 km tall)).

One of the earliest appearances of nanotech in comics was the ''[[Technovore]]'' from Iron Man 294 (July 1993).

In several ''[[X-Men]]'' storylines, nano-[[Sentinel (comics)|sentinels]] appear, either used to modify human beings into [[Prime Sentinel|Prime Sentinels]] (including the character [[Fantomex]]), or to infect mutants and attack their cells.

== See also ==
* [[Nanopunk]]
* [[Nanotechnology]]
* [[Transhumanism]]

{{Portal|Science|Technology}}

==References==
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{{Science fiction}}

[[Category:Fiction about nanotechnology| ]]
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