A Formal Definition for Nanorobots and Nanonetworks

Nano computation and communication research examines nanosized devices like sensor nodes or robots. Over the last decade, it has attracted attention from many different perspectives, including material sciences, biomedical engineering, and algorithm design. With growing maturity and diversity, a common terminology is increasingly important. In this paper, we analyze the state of the art of nanoscale computational devices, and infer common requirements. We combine these with definitions for macroscale machines and robots to define Nanodevices, an umbrella term that includes all nanosized artificial devices. We derive definitions for Nanomachines and Nanorobots, each with a set of mandatory and optional components. Constraints concerning artificiality and purpose distinguish Nanodevices from nanoparticles and natural life forms. Additionally, we define a Nanonetwork as a network comprised of Nanodevices, and show the specific challenges for Medical Nanorobots and Nanonetworks. We integrate our definition into the current research of Nanodevice components with a set of examples for electronic and biological implementations.