Technology in the World of Avatar

Technology in the World of Avatar varies greatly from nation to nation. The heavily industrialized Fire Nation was far more advanced compared to the other three nations, though the Earth Kingdom, albeit still pre-industrial, was much closer to the Fire Nation's capabilities than the peaceful and technologically unambitious Air Nomads or the Water Tribes were, which as the names suggest, used only primitive technologies in combination with Airbending and Waterbending respectively to achieve their needs and 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 own 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



 * Tangle mines - Aquatic bomb invented by Hakoda, also called the "sink 'n stink."
 * 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 is in the eve of industrialization with the limited manipulation of steam and metal machines towards the end of the war, most which were invented by the Mechanist. The majority of their technologies have Earthbending as their main sources of power.

Examples of Technology

 * Omashu Mail Delivery System - The 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 -

A 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.
 * Elevators - Machines invented by the Mechanist to lift people to high elevations. War Minister Qin is seen riding one up to the Mechanist's workshop for blueprints, and a man is seen briefly in the temple riding one up to a platform. These are most likely steam driven.

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 - 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 was seen used at the Boiling Rock prison as a transport for prisoners and personnel. It was also used in Sokka's escape plan.
 * Great Gates of Azulon - Built for not letting other nations come into the Fire Nation. It was only seen in when the invasion force tried to enter the Fire Nation successfully on the Day of Black Sun.