UTILITY FOG
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Introduction
Utility Fog– Concept by Dr. John Storrs Hall(2001).
Based on the concept of Molecular Nanotechnology.
A hypothetical collection of tiny robots.
The Utility Fogs is a very simple extension of the idea:
Suppose, instead of building the object you want atom by atom, the tiny robots linked their arms together to form a solid mass in the shape of the object you wanted.
NANO-Technology
The design, characterization, production, and application of structures, devices, and systems by controlled manipulation of size and shape at the nanometer scale (atomic, molecular, and macromolecular scale) that produces structures, devices, and systems with at least one novel/superior characteristic or property.
Utility Foglets
Robotic cells- 100 microns.
Equipped with high capability processing controller and electric motor.
Spherical central body- 10 microns.
12 telescopic arms – 50 microns long and 5 microns in diameter.
Arms swivel on universal joints at base– 4 degrees of freedom.
3 grippers on each arm for interconnection between foglets.
Grippers rotate along the arm's axis.
COMMUNICATION AND CONTROL
Command or instruction from the user are received.
Processed by the preprogrammed processors in the foglets.
Calculations and analysis regarding execution of the command are done. Eg: mode of operation, no. of foglets required, positions of each, and so on.
Results are passed among other foglets.
Required no. of Foglets arrange themselves at appropriate positions to form desired object.
Functions instructed are performed, if any.
End of usage - breaks up again and back to individual foglets.
Conclusion
Replacement for all different technologies around us.
More compatible and sophisticated form expected.
A utility fog can be considered as a future version, enabled by advanced molecular nanotechnology, of today's sensor networks and tomorrow's smart dust.