Batman is probably the most famous and beloved of all the heroes who rely on gadgets to fight crime. One of the reasons may be that most of Batman’s tools appear to be within the realm of conventional technology. The realism of these gadgets help the viewer, or reader, to become more heavily immersed in Batman’s world, with a few notable exceptions such as Batman’s line of Oceanic Repellant Bat Sprays. Many of the tools Batman carries are slightly more advanced versions of technology that is already in production, and so it probably won’t be be too long until reality catches up with the fiction.
One example of this can be seen in Batman’s grapple gun, a tool which allows him to quickly and effortlessly reach elevated areas. Examples of the individual aspects of the technology already exist, such as the Tactical Pneumatic Launch System, which fires a grappling hook up to 120 ft., and the Atlas Powered Ascender, which attaches to a rope and allows the user to climb much faster than they could under their own power. Like much of Batman’s toolkit, his grapple gun is simply a more advanced and compact version of technology that already exists. His grapple gun works on the same principle as larger modern versions, like the T-PLS, but is able to affix to almost any surface. Batman’s gadget includes the functionality of the Powered Ascender, but it is much smaller, faster, and easier to use. By combining these two large pieces of equipment into a single package that is roughly the size of a large pistol, Batman has created a device that is much more useful than either of the modern versions.
One of the most iconic pieces of equipment that Batman uses in his war on crime is his signature costume. The Batsuit is a marvel of engineering. Although resistant to bullets, fire, and the many other hazards the caped crusader faces, the suit still allows the hero to move with a level of freedom unprecedented in modern protective gear like the Outer Tactical Vest Interceptor. The Batsuit is an evolution of current bulletproof vests and other protective technology that has been improved in every functional aspect. While current military bulletproof vests are heavy, restrictive, and do not offer protection to the whole body, Batman’s is a lightweight full body suit that does not hamper his mobility and is also fireproof. These advances in technology follow the same route as many of Batman’s other gadgets, in the sense that the devices he uses improve on the functionality of the basic model, while also being more compact. Unlike modern combat body armour Batman’s suit also comes with a cape which adds to his menacing appearance. Like all of Batman’s devices this cape serves a crime-fighting purpose, providing him with the ability to glide for long distances by changing from a soft material into a rigid frame that provides lift. This technology is similar to modern day wing suits, but Batman’s cape is much more advanced.
Much of Batman’s gadgets are based on currently available technology, but are stronger, lighter, and smaller. One of the promising new developments that may lead to the creation of real-life versions of Batman’s equipment is the creation of carbon nanotubes. These microscopic structures are stronger, more elastic, and lighter than steel, and scientists are currently investigating methods for using them both on their own and as an additive to other materials.
When used on their own carbon nanotubes could theoretically be used to create ropes or cables that are much stronger and lighter than conventional ones made of fabrics or steel. According to some studies a cable made of carbon nanotubes, one millimeter across, could hold almost 6500 kg. A long spool of this cable could easily fit into a pistol sized device like the grapple gun Batman uses, and would require much less force to launch than a similar length of rope or metal cabling. The light weight nature of the nanotube cable would also mean that it could use a much smaller and lighter mechanism to help a person climb it. With the type of miniaturization allowed by nanotubes Batman’s pistol size grappling gun is definitely possible.
Aside from the creation of rope-like objects, scientists are working with using carbon nanotubes in order to create stronger and lighter versions of materials we see today. Some of this research is focused on the possibility of merging nanotubes into currently manufactured materials, like the ceramic or metal plates that are used in current military body armour. Other research is exploring the production of replacement parts made entirely out of nanotubes by creating threads out of them, then weaving the result into a cloth-like material. This material would be extremely light, especially compared to modern kevlar bulletproof vests, while offering better protection than any current body armour. According to researchconducted by a pair of Australian scientists, a nanotube cloth vest a little more than half a millimeter thick could stop bullets from less powerful handguns. It is easy to see how adding more layers of material would improve the protection of the suit, and that protection improves even more when combined with other materials. The military is already examining the possibility of using nanotubes in aircraft, naval vessels, and armoured vehicles through a combination of replacing soft materials with nanotubes and adding them into other materials to strengthen them.
It seems that carbon nanotube technology is opening up a scientific realm with almost unlimited possibilities. The strength and light-weight nature of material made from nanotubes could even be used in making improved gliding suits like Batman’s cape. With the advances in technology that are happening all the time, combined with entirely new technologies that are being created or discovered, it won’t be long at all before Batman’s amazing gadgets are commonplace in our everyday world.
