Single atom transistors, twelve atom data storage, swarms of nanobots, robot infantry, avatars, and biodigital technologies are very real. They are great tools but, unfortunately, will be used for warfare. The thought of selfserving hands controlling and giving autonomy to virtually invisible machines, machines with superhuman powers, and sentient beings is disturbing. I can't begin to imagine the technology that is being kept secret.

NANOBOTS

European researchers developing tiny autonomous robots that can co-operate to perform different tasks, much like termites, ants or bees forage collaboratively for food, build nests and work together for the greater good of the colony.

Several of the researchers have since gone on to work on creating swarms of robots that are able to reconfigure themselves and assemble autonomously into larger robots in order to perform different tasks.
SCIENCE DAILY (Oct. 21, 2008)

First Self-Powered Device With Wireless Data Transmission

Science Daily (June 15, 2011)

These robots, miniaturized and self powered, will be liquid machines able to transform shape. Think of these robots as intelligent 3-d pixels able to exist independently or join together.

ROBOT INFANTRY

AVATARS

According the agency (DARPA), “the Avatar program will develop interfaces and algorithms to enable a soldier to effectively partner with a semi-autonomous bi-pedal machine and allow it to act as the soldier’s surrogate.”

These robots should be smart and agile enough to do the dirty work of war, Darpa notes. That includes the “room clearing, sentry control [and] combat casualty recovery.” And all at the bidding of their human partner.

WIRED (Feb 16. 2012)

BIODIGITAL TECHNOLOGY