ScienceAugust 17, 2026

nanobots

NAY-no-bots

Definition

Microscopic or nanoscopic robots designed to perform specific tasks, such as cleaning contaminants from water or navigating biological environments.

Etymology

A portmanteau of 'nanotechnology' (from the Greek 'nanos', meaning dwarf) and 'robot' (from the Czech 'robota', meaning forced labor or drudgery).

In the news

The article discusses the researchers' use of 'biobots'—a type of living nanobot—to capture and remove microplastics from water, highlighting their efficiency compared to other experimental nanorobotic designs.

Czech Scientists Create Living Microrobot Swarms That Trap Microplastics

Read the full article ↗

Intelligent Living

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