along the axle . Among his advances based on rotaxanes are a molecular lift , a molecular muscle and a molecule-based computer chip . Bernard Feringa was the first person to develop a molecular motor ; in 1999 he got a molecular rotor blade to spin repeatedly in the same direction . Using molecular motors , he has rotated a glass cylinder that is 10,000 times bigger than the motor and also designed a nanocar . 2016 ' s Nobel Laureates in Chemistry have taken molecular systems out of equilibrium ' s stalemate into energy-filled states in which their arrangements can be measured . In terms of development , the molecular motor is at the same stage as the electric motor was in the 1830s , when scientists exhibited various spinning cranks and wheels , unaware that they would lead to washing machines , fans and food processors . Molecular machines will most expected be used in the advancement of things such as new materials , sensors and energy storage systems .