AMRC's Influence on Texans' Quality of Life

The AMRC’s work in advanced and future technologies likely will have a profound, positive impact on the lives of all Texans. Out of this visionary activity will come products with the potential to radically alter our lives for the better.

Near-Term Results:
The first generation of products and materials coming out of the AMRC will enhance the manufacturing infrastructure of semiconductors, which has transformed modern life with PCs, cell phones, wireless networks and “smarter” vehicles. Some examples of semiconductor-based products within the next decade may include:

Cars with the ability to avoid collisions by braking and maneuvering themselves with split-second timing at computer speeds.
Televisions with a built-in server that acts as the central hub of a home media network.

Future Products:
Many reputable and tech-savvy observers believe nanotechnology will result in consumer, military and industrial products that will transform our everyday lives. Examples include:

Doped metal-oxide nanowires and nanowire networks placed on quartz that become miniature reactors using solar energy to split water cheaply into hydrogen, in turn producing fuel for clean energy.
Quantum dots used as nanomaterials to attach to cancer cells, basically bookmarking them. After the cancer has been swarmed by these particles, fluorescent light would be projected to burn away the cancer without harming healthy cells.
Auto tires made of a nanocomposite mix of butyl rubber, intermingled with nanoclay particles. They are lighter (for better mileage) and last longer (for lower cost).
Devices that make soldiers invisible to any kind of light by matching radiant energy signatures to that of the surrounding environment.