Nanorobotics and NEMS

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Since Richard P. Feynman, a U.S. citizen and winner of a Nobel Prize in Physics in 1965, first envisioned the fabrication of nanoscale electrical and mechanical devices in his 1959 lecture, "There' s Plenty of Room at the Bottom," numerous research and development activities have focused on creating structures and process technologies for the fabrication of mechanisms capable of motion (such as translation, rotation, oscillation) measurable in nanometers and angstroms. These devices include nanorobots and nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS).

After years of research, and driven by the miniaturization efforts of the semiconductor industry (currently manufacturing electronic components with features below 100 nm), the creation of nanomechanical and nanoelectromechanical systems is becoming a reality, and the first commercial products are finally entering the market.

Although the nanorobotics and NEMS industry (including devices, materials, and fabrication equipment) is still in its infancy, there is great interest in the application of these devices in certain broad based sectors, such as electronics, life sciences, and sensors and instrumentation, potentially leading to a very large market for these types of nanodevices.

Because of this enormous potential, there is a need to follow and assess the growth of the nanorobotics and NEMS industry, as these devices leave the laboratory setting and enter commercialization.

The primary reason for doing this study is to provide a detailed market overview of the nanorobotics and NEMS industry by quantifying sales of these nanodevices, including associated fabrication materials and equipment, based on market segment and fields of application.

There is also a need to evaluate the current status and future trends of the industry from a global standpoint. As production and use of nanorobots and NEMS expands, information on regional production, sales, and type of suppliers becomes more valuable.

In addition, since many design, fabrication, reliability, and other technical issues are still unresolved, an overview of current research and development activities is desirable to obtain a broader perspective of the future expansion of this technology on a global basis.

SCOPE OF STUDY

This report contains:

• Definitions of nanorobots and NEMS, and a description of their fabrication methods, as well as information on current and potential applications for these nanodevices
• The current market status of nanorobots and NEMS and related materials and equipment, expected trends, and forecasts of growth over the next five years
• Discussion on technological issues, including the latest process developments
• Analysis of the nanorobotics and NEMS industry on a worldwide basis from the standpoint of both manufacturing and consumption as well as information about commercial and public research activities in major regions of the world
• A detailed discussion of patents and profiles of all the important industry players

METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES

The technology section of this report is based on information derived from technical literature, professional journals, the author' s field experience, and online sources.

Global market analysis was performed by analyzing 50 suppliers of nanorobots and NEMS, and related materials and equipment, accounting for at least 95% of the global nanorobotics and NEMS market. Data for each company were obtained by thoroughly analyzing SEC filings, Internet Web sites, annual reports, industry directories, industry magazines and catalogs, government sources, and other public sources.

Additional data were obtained from the direct contribution of primary sources, including: company executives, managers, engineers and other technical personnel representing manufacturers and developers of nanorobots, NEMS, and related materials and process equipment; representatives of academia and trade associations; and industry market analysts.

Secondary sources of information include:

• EDGAR - U.S. Securities and Exchange Commissions Filings
• U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
• European Patent Office
• Company Web Sites
• Company Annual Reports
• Thomas Registers
• Moody' s Directory
• S&P Industry Survey
• Dun & Bradstreet Business Directory
• American Ceramic Society Publications
• Foreign Chamber of Commerce Directories
• Foreign Stock Exchange Listings

In addition to utilizing the above primary and secondary sources, market growth trends and forecasts were compiled by gaining additional insights from relevant financial and market information, relevant BCC reports, and the author' s own in-depth analysis of all the information.

ANALYST CREDENTIALS

Margareth Gagliardi has over 20 years of experience in the field of advanced materials, specializing in ceramic formulations, materials processing, and new product development. She has held management positions in both manufacturing and R&D within U.S. and European firms producing electronic, mechanical, chemical and structural components. She holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and an M.S. in Ceramic Engineering.