How the NanoCar works. The NanoCar runs using solar cells mounted on the vehicle. The collected energy is delivered to the car's nano-batteries or to its electrostatic motor when the car is running. The CMOS motor controller electronics smoothly and efficiently control power to the electrostatic motor. Speed and directional control is affected using an on-board neural-net. The electrostatic motor weighs less than 5 ng (nanograms - 1 billionth of a gram). Gear changing is done electronically in the electrostatic motor. A chain connects the sprocket on the electrostatic motor shaft to the gear on the drivewheel. Our NanoCar uses a nanochain fabricated by MEMGen Corporation for high efficiency, strength, and longevity.

How the NanoCar was designed. The NanoCar body is constructed of lightweight, state-of-the-art materials called carbon nanotubes. NanoCars use electrostatic regenerative disc brakes and utilize rack and pinion steering which are attached to the steering arms by means of tie rods. NanoCar wheels designs are similar to bicycle tires. The wheel's rim and hubs are buckeydisks and the spokes are made of nanotubes covered with adipose stem cells to increase aerodynamic efficiency. The Arryx BioRyx 200 is being used to fabricate the mold for the body of the NanoCar.

The NanoCar's main chassis, solar array, and optical telemetry system are all fabricated by BinOptics Corporation using revolutionary processing techniques perfected in their labs. Additional framework and support structures fabricated using ultra-long carbon nanotube arrays have been fabricated by Nantero Corporation and incorporated in the vehicle.

The NanoCar boasts a state-of-the-art windshield with a heads-up display that projects all of the car's vitals while in operation. The heads-up display is fabricated directly on the windshield using the ultra-low temperature semiconductor on plastic processing technology provided by FlexICs, Inc.

A cutting-edge, 1550 nm, laser-based security system has been incorporated into the NanoCar's design in order to prevent theft or tampering. The foundation of this security system is a sophisticated, multi-dimensional MEMS device produced by SiWave Corporation

Click here for information on Phranque, the driver of our NanoCar.

DFJ thanks these leaders in Nanotechnology and MEMS for their contributions to DFJ's NanoCar: