Nanotechnology is already all around us. Here are some examples:
• Airbags: deploy airbags when a crash occurs
• Ink-jet printer heads: Its 2006 market size was $6 billion representing 28% of all MEMS sold (source: electronics.ca)
• Video games: detect game controller motion, such as in Nintendo’s Wii
• Clothing: some stain-resistant and water-repellent pants
• Sunscreen: many sunscreens contain nanoparticles of zinc oxide or titanium oxide.
• Pacemakers: help the heart beat
• Tennis rackets: Babolat was the first company to use carbon nanotubes to reinforce key areas of the racquet, adding ease of play and comfort when hitting for the player
• Washing machines: LG makes a washing machine with a drum covered with nano-silver particles to ensure better sterilization of clothes
• Cell phones: processes signals
• Hearing aids: smaller than past hearing aids
• LCD displays: In 2005, Motorola Labs unveiled the first ever working color video display based on carbon nanotubes