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Table 7.1 Defining the Capability Matrix for the Bio-Modules
Functionality Bionanocode Capabilities Targeted General Applications
Energy storage E Ability to store energy from various Supplies the energy required
and carrier sources such as solar and for the working of all the
chemical for future use and for its bio-chemical mechanisms of
own working the proposed bio-nanorobotic sys-
tems
Mechanical M Ability to precisely move and orient 1. Carry moities and deliver them
other molecules or modules at to the precise locations in correct
nano-scale — includes the ability orientations
to mechanically bind to various 2. Move micro-world objects with
target objects and carry them to nano-precision
desired locations
Input sensing S Sensing capabilities in various Evaluation and discovery of
domains such as chemical, mech- target locations based on
anical, visual, auditory, electrical, either chemical properties,
and magnetic temperature, or other
characteristics
Signaling G Ability to amplify the sensory data Imaging for medical applications
and communicate with bio- or for imaging changes in
systems or with the micro- nanostructures
controllers and ability to identify
their locations through various
trigger mechanisms such as fluor-
escence
Information F Ability to store information 1. Store the sensory data for
storage collected by the sensory future signaling or usage
element — behave similar to 2. Read the stored data to carry
a read–write mechanism in out programmed functions
computer field 3. Back bone for the sensory
bio-module
4. Store nano-world phenomenon
currently not observed with ease
Swarm W Exhibit binding capabilities with All the tasks to be performed by
behavior ‘‘similar’’ bio-nanorobots so as to the bio-nanorobots will be planned
perform distributive sensing, and programmed keeping in mind
intelligence, and action (energy the swarm behavior and capabil-
storage) functions ities
Information I Capability of following algorithms Programmable
processing (Turing equivalent)
Replication R Replicate themselves depending Replicate by assembling raw
on the situation and requirement components into nanorobots,
and programming newly-made
robot to form swarms that form
automated fabricators consistent
with the Foresight Guidelines for
safe replicator development
(Foresight Institute, 2000)
terms of alphabetic codes. Each bionanocode represents a particular module defining the structure
of the bio-nanorobot. For instance, a code like E-M-S will describe a bio-nanorobot having
capabilities of energy storage, mechanical actuation, and signaling at the nano-scale. Such repre-
sentations will help in general classifications and representative mathematics of bio-nanorobots and
their swarms. Table 7.1 summarizes the proposed capabilities of the bio-modules along with their
targeted general applications. The bio-nano code EIWR k M k S k FG representing the bio-nano
system shown in Figure 7.12B which could be decoded as shown in Figure 7.13.