How Small Is Too Small? True Microrobots and Nanorobots for Military Applications in 2035

The Department of Defense (DOD) anticipates the realization of biomimetic bird and two-inch-insect sized systems within the 2015 - 2047 time frame. Although robot systems on the order of size of one millimeter or smaller are not explicitly specified in current DOD and United States Air Force technology roadmaps, the technological aims toward this size can be clearly implied from official documents. This research assesses the likelihood of, and barriers to, the realization of true microrobots and nanorobots (defined as sub-millimeter sized robots of micrometer and nanometer proportions, respectively) that can perform in military applications by 2035. The findings of this research are that the realization of true microrobots for military applications by 2035 is unlikely except for a single case of microrobots. Furthermore, the realization of true nanorobots for military applications by 2035 is even more unlikely. Technological advancements accrued through striving towards the goals of true micro- and nanorobots are critical towards the U.S. achieving a technological edge in more realizable-sized miniature robots for military application. Additionally, these technological advancements are critical for reducing the size and payload of a host of other military systems including satellites, aircraft, weapons, C4ISR, and portable sensors. Thus, regardless of the feasibility of sub-millimeter sized robots by 2035, the U.S. should still sponsor research and development of both true microrobots and nanorobots today.