Nanorobotics is an emerging technology field creating machines or robots whose components are at or near the scale of a nanometer (10−9 meters). Essentially, it is on the basis of manipulating and controlling materials at the atomic and molecular level. Furthermore, they have wide potential uses in the medical field as well as engineering. 

Some of the key future applications of nano and micro-machines include cancer treatment, as nanorobots can identify and destroy cancer cells more accurately and effectively. Also, new energy systems would be available since nanorobots may be able to transform our current machines to be more energy efficient such that they would need less energy to operate at the same or high capacities.

Today, nanorobotics is just in its research phase. As no artificial non-biological nanobots have so far been created, they remain a hypothetical concept at this time. However, nanotechnology has the potential to solve some of the biggest problems that the world faces today. A National Science Foundation report notes, “Nanotechnology has the potential to enhance human performance, to bring sustainable development for materials, water, energy, and food, to protect against unknown bacteria and viruses, and even to diminish the reasons for breaking the peace.”

 Recently, it has been predicted that the global nanotechnology industry will grow to reach $75.8 billion (USD) by 2020 according to bbc.com. 

With all of the new and exciting potential uses for nanorobotics, this up and coming field is sure to gauge lots of interest and funding for further research.