Automotive industry extensively employs electronic devices in car manufacturing, using mainly miniaturized sensors. Pressure sensors, fuel and air flow control systems, gyroscopes, accelerometers and microactuators are some of the examples of the use of nanotechnology in automotive applications. The new technology results in increased car performance and safety and, at the same time, in reduced component cost. Typical examples are the airbag accelerometers, that protect the driver from being injured after severe crash but, also, from being injured by the airbag itself, anti-skid and roll-over systems and intelligent sensors for efficient engine control. The use of nanostructured materials will further benefit the automotive industry.

Nanostructured materials and sensors, that are currently used or will be used in the future in automotive industry, is almost certain that will find application in aerospace industry as well, where the demand for safety is also great. Concentrating on space applications, it can be pointed out that the trend towards miniaturization is greater. The demand of small satellites orbiting the earth has increased over the past few years, due to special demands in communications. The Internet, mobile phones, TV stations and other domestic applications require satellites. Companies are trying to make them smaller, because it is easier to be put on orbit, maintained them there and cause little pollution, when they are put out of order. NASA is also preparing small space probes that will be able to travel to other planets; they must be as small as possible, fabricated from materials that can withstand the extreme conditions in space.