Potential Applications
Nanotechnology applications for soldiers are for examining lighter and stronger armor and active camouflage that can change colors in different environments or reduce radar and infrared signatures. Also, devices could be embedded in soldier uniforms to gather water from the air or store energy from the soldier’s footfalls. Tiny monitors in soldier helmets could deliver tactical information and instructions.
Other examples are so-called active or smart uniforms that could also be outfitted with medical features to bind wounds, regulate body temperature, monitor vital signs, and even release drugs or hormones as needed. Body implants might also be developed to monitor a soldier’s health status and release drugs for therapy or to influence performance or mood, and to fight sleep deprivation. Nanosensors could be deployed to provide better surveillance and detection. Such applications would require much research and would also bring up ethical issues regarding the extent to which humans modify their bodies for military purposes.
Materials are currently being developed that could be used to create stronger and lighter vehicles that consume less fuel. Fuel cells and hydrogen tanks based on carbon nanotubes could make vehicles less dependent on fossil fuels for energy. Nanotechnology could also be applied to new types of unmanned vehicles such as tanks, boats, aircraft, and submarines.
A challenge is to generate policies and practices which promote uses of technology for the benefit of society and to best control potentially harmful uses.
Further Reading:
- Talbot, David. 2002. Super soldiers, Technology Review October 2002.
