Technology in the World of Avatar

Technology in the World of Avatar, varied greatly from nation to nation. The heavily industrialised Fire Nation was far more advanced compared to the other 3 nations, though the Earth Kingdom, albeit still pre-industrial, was much closer to to the Fire Nation's capabilities than the peaceful and technologically unambitious Air Nomads or the Water Tribes were, which as the name suggests, used only primitive technologies in combination with Waterbending to achieve their ends.

Air Nomads
The Air Nomads never industrialized, as they never felt the need to consciously expand their technological capabilities. Their insistence on making the least amount of environmental impact on the world as possible, and their relatively peaceful way of life meant that they were satisfied with conventional and classic technology. The Air Nomads did however have enough technical knowledge to produce their gliders. It is unknown by what means their temples were constructed or how they acquired such objects as the metal bison-teething ring; whether these were made by Air Nomads or traded and commissioned by other nations is unknown. It is unlikely that the Air Nomads had a formal currency.

Examples of Technology

 * Glider - Support tool that Airbenders have frequently used for assistance in Airbending.


 * Air Temple Sanctuary Door - This door is opened only through the use Airbending, by sending a gust of air through two trumpet-like objects, which eventually turn three locks that unlock the door. It seems that the structure itself can be entered without the need of Airbending, as The Mechanist was able to enter the sanctuary in the Northern Air Temple without having to open the door.

Water Tribe
The Water Tribes have limited technology apart from the many hydraulics-based structures present in the polar tribes.

Examples of Technology

 * "Stink and Sink" - Aquatic bomb invented by Hakoda.
 * Canal - Canal lock system in the Northern Water Tribe passable only through the use of Waterbending.
 * Waterbending Powered Submarine - An underwater naval vessel used in the Invasion of the Fire Nation, envisioned by Sokka and built by The Mechanist.
 * Ice Torpedo - A weapon designed for the Waterbending Powered Submarines, used during the Invasion of the Fire Nation.

Earth Kingdom
The Earth Kingdom has limited industry and has several technological advances, most of which are powered by Earthbending.

Examples of Technology

 * Omashu Mail Delivery System - MAIL.jpg Omashu Mail System is a linking slide that spreads for miles in the city of Omashu. Earthbenders use their bending to place carts filled with a variety of cargo in specific lanes. Gravity then provides the carts with potential energy, which they use to maneuver through the Mail System. The parcels arrive at specific stations, where they are reloaded and sent to another lane.
 * Ba Sing Se Monorail - Enormous train network stretching across the whole city of Ba Sing Se, connecting all three rings. It serves as the city's mass transit system. The monorail is pushed from one end of the rail network to the other by a group of elite Earthbenders.
 * Sand-sailors - Gliders used by Sandbenders to travel through the Si Wong Desert. They are equipped with compasses that allow the users to determine their position relative to Si Wong Rock.
 * Fireworks - Explosive pyrotechnic device used primarily for aesthetic and entertainment purposes.
 * Earth Kingdom Ferries - Vessels powered by a paddle wheel.

The Mechanist
The Mechanist is a prolific technological innovator from the Earth Kingdom. He has settled in the Northern Air Temple after the flooding of his village. The Mechanist created schematics and sample weapons for the Fire Nation as payment for safe refuge in the temple. His invention of the Hot Air Balloon allowed the Fire Nation to develop a powerful air force. His real name is never revealed.

Inventions

 * Hot Air Balloon - Experimental weapon developed for the Fire Nation.
 * Gliders - Simple flying apparatus based on the Airbenders' gliders.
 * Waterbending Powered Submarines - Naval vehicles used in the Invasion of the Fire Nation (envisioned by Sokka and built by The Mechanist).
 * Earthbending Powered Tank - Vehicles owned and operated by the Earth Kingdom Military. Used in the Day of Black Sun.
 * Earth Kingdom Supply Truck - Motorized, metallic vehicles supposedly designed by Sokka in preparation for the Invasion of the Fire Nation. They were used as a means of cargo transportation.
 * Ice Torpedo - Earth_Tank_DOBS.png weapon designed for the Waterbending Powered Submarines, used during the Invasion of the Fire Nation.
 * Peanut Sauce Bombs - Explosive weapons (failed).
 * Timing Device - Apparatus used to keep track of time during an eclipse.
 * Time Candles - Candles used to determine time.
 * Cut-Safe Knife Sharpener - A knife sharpener invented by The Mechanist.
 * Eclipse Glasses - Special glasses worn during an eclipse to prevent eye damage.

Fire Nation
The Fire Nation is the most technologically advanced nation in the Avatar World. It most likely became heavily industrialized during the war, due to demand for new weapons and the help from The Mechanist. A majority of the Fire Nation technologies are made out of metal and fueled by burning coal.

Examples of Technology

 * Tank Train - Hot Air Balloon.png War Balloons, invented by The Mechanist.]] A Fire Nation engineering marvel. It is a cross between a tank and a train.
 * Fire Nation Drill - A very large, hydraulic metal drill designed to penetrate the walls of Ba Sing Se, so that the Fire Nation could conquer the Earth Kingdom capital and ultimately win the War.
 * Tundra Tank - Large armored vehicles.
 * Fire Nation Trebuchet - Catapults used to conduct long-range warfare. They have appeared in different sizes from being huge fixed catapults on Fire Nation ships to small portable catapults to be used by infantry.
 * Hot Air Balloon - War Balloon that uses a small valve in the top of the vehicle that allows control of the balloon's motion.
 * Fire Nation Airship - A massive aerial vehicle built from the foundation of the War Balloon.
 * Jet Ski - Steam-powered Jet Skis perfect for short-range water travel and warfare.
 * Fireworks - Explosive pyrotechnic device used primarily for aesthetic and entertainment purposes. Used in the Fire Days Festival.
 * Prison Tram - This tram is seen used in The Boiling Rock, Part 1 and The Boiling Rock, Part 2. It is used at the prison as a transport for prisoners and personnel. Used in Sokka's escape plan.
 * Great Gates of Azulon - Built for not letting other nations come in the Fire Nation. In the series it was only seen in The Day of Black Sun, Part 1, when the invasion force tried to enter the Fire Nation sucefully.