Nanomachines are atom-sized machines which are used for everything from repairing body cells to terraform-ing. Many varieties of nanomachines exist for various purposes, and their components range from complex proteins to traditional mechanical parts. The concept of nanomachines and nanotechnology are explored in both Xenogears and Xenosaga.
In Xenogears[]
In Xenogears, nanotechnology was researched by various individuals and societies in the E.C. era. These include Kim, Karellen and Taura Melchior. Emeralda is a nanomachine colony created by Kim. Using nanotechnology, Karellen was able to extend the lives of himself, Cain, Zephyr and the three Sages of Shevat: Nikolai Balthasar, Gaspar Uzuki and Taura Melchior.
Nanomachines can be separated into two major categories: nanoassemblers and nanodisassemblers. Nanoassemblers are primarily used for medical procedures as well as healing wounds. In contrast, nanodissassemblers are used to destroy matter. In Xenogears, nanoassemblers are used to restore Fei and Elly at the beginning of Disc 2, as well as by Deus to grant it regenerative properties. Nanodisassemblers are used by the party to counteract Deus' nanoassemblers, but they are also used by Karellen to create the limiters.
In Xenosaga[]
Nanomachines are used in recovery items and certain ether skills used by Shion Uzuki and the other characters.
In higher levels of Personality Reconditioning, nanomachines may be implanted into a criminal's brain in order to control their behavior. This happened to Andrew Cherenkov.
Nanomachines are a field researched and invested in by many companies such as Ziggurat Industries.
Nanotreatment[]
Nanotreatment is a medical treatment technique utilizing nanomachines. Nanotreatment of illness and injury in this world is about as common as drugs.
MOMO Mizrahi tried to treat Andrew Cherenkov's injuries with nanomachines capable of cellular restoration. However, Cherenkov adamantly avoided this treatment for fear that it would trigger a violent reaction to the chemical which controls his emotions.
Etymology[]
Nano is the word for "dwarf" in the Greek language. One nanometer equals one billionth of a meter.