Nanorobots

2023

Global Nanorobot Market Volume Up 21% to $4.32 Billion

In 2023, the global nanorobot market reached $4.32 billion. This is 21% more compared to 2022, when costs were estimated at $3.57 billion. The range of use of such devices is rapidly expanding, as stated in the materials of Market Research Future, released in mid-August 2024.

The authors of the study divide nanorobots into several types - magnetic, optical, acoustic, chemical and biological. Similar solutions find applications in a variety of fields, including manufacturing, power, health and environmental protection. One of the main drivers of the industry is the development of medical technologies: nanorobots are increasingly used for targeted drug delivery, microsurgical procedures, early detection of diseases, etc. In industry, nanorobots can be used for microassembly and quality control of manufactured products. In the field of power, these devices can help in the collection, storage and distribution of renewable energy, making energy systems more efficient and environmentally friendly.

The authors of the report call the integration of artificial intelligence a stimulating factor for the development of the nanorobot industry. Neural network technologies expand the functionality of tiny devices, providing autonomous navigation, efficient decision-making and data analysis. At the same time, developments in the field of nanomaterials and nanoelectronics open the way to the creation of more miniature, effective and multifunctional nanorobots. In addition, governments around the world are increasing public funding for nanorobot research and development.

The report said that in 2023, magnetic devices became one of the most popular types of nanorobots. They are widely used in the biomedical field, for example, for targeted drug delivery. From a functional point of view, probing solutions occupied the largest market share. Geographically, North America has a strong position due to its developed health infrastructure, government funding for research and development. In Europe, the expansion of the industry is due to the presence of leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. However, the Asia-Pacific region is experiencing the fastest growth, driven by increased health spending, the prevalence of chronic diseases and government initiatives to improve access to care.

Significant market players include: Abbott Laboratories, Olympus, Cook Medical, Intuitive Surgical, Stryker, Johnson & Johnson Services, Terumo, Medtronic, Getinge AB, Boston Scientific, Becton Dickinson and Zimmer Biomet. It is noted that the main participants in the industry focus on achieving a competitive advantage by forming strategic partnerships, as well as by investing in research and development in order to create innovative solutions for various areas - primarily for the healthcare sector. The companies emphasize the importance of developing advanced nanorobots designed specifically to deliver drugs and perform complex medical manipulations more accurately and efficiently.

Market Research Future analysts believe that in the future, the average annual growth rate in complex percentages (CAGR value) in the global nanorobot market will be 21.26%. As a result, by 2032, costs globally will reach $24.5 billion.^[1]

Oxygen nanorobots developed that treat fungal infection

In mid-June 2023, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania reported the creation of nanorobots that can move to the site of a fungal infection under the influence of an external magnetic field. The device interacts with fungal cells and then releases reactive oxygen species to completely kill the fungus. Read more here.

2022: Nanorobot from DNA molecules developed in Russia to detect viruses

In Russia, they developed a nanorobot from DNA molecules to detect viruses. We are talking about the development of ITMO University. At the end of October 2022, they told about it at the university itself.

The highly sensitive nanorobot created is capable of finding pathogens. The development efficiency was tested for the coronavirus COVID-19. In the future, such molecular machines are adapted to detect other infections.

Nanorobot from DNA molecules developed in Russia

The new method differs from PCR in that it does not require the use of expensive reagents, complex equipment and trained employees. At the same time, it is not inferior to PCR in accuracy.

According to experts, nanorobot can be used in clinical practice. PCR is also still an effective method for detecting infections. The robot contains 215 nucleotides (elementary structural units of DNA and RNA). The human eye does not see them. Four special "levers" are connected to the nanorobot - experts call them "hands."

To analyze the sample for infection, a solution with this DNA system and a special substance must be added to it. The latter shines, which allows you to visualize the result. The developers say that the robot is able to detect the virus, even if it is present in small numbers in the samples.

As an employee of the Department of Immunochemistry of UrFU and the Institute of Immunology and Physiology explained. Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Mikhail Bolkov, the technology is called a "robot" rather figuratively: in fact, we are talking about a chemical reagent that can unwind RNA from a biological fluid, the senior scientific noted.

Rather, it is a molecular structure with an active enzyme center. In general, it all depends on the test results - if they are successful, then this is wonderful, "he said.

The new stage of the project provides for the packaging of the developed method into a convenient test system for home use. Researchers will teach DNA robots to detect not only COVID-19, but also other viruses and cancer markers.^[2]

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