[1] In 1974, Freitas earned a bachelor's degree in both physics and psychology from Harvey Mudd College, and in 1978, he received a Juris Doctor (J.D.)

He has written more than 150 technical papers, book chapters, and popular articles on scientific, engineering, and legal topics.

[2] Freitas interests include nanorobotics,[3] how nanotechnology can extend the life of humans,[4] self-replicating machines,[5] and Cryonics.

[6] In 1980, Freitas and William Gilbreath were participants in a NASA study regarding "Advanced Automation for Space Missions",[7] and they presented the feasibility of self-replicating machines in space, using advanced artificial intelligence and automation technologies.

[10] Volume I, published in October 1999 by Landes Bioscience while Freitas was a Research Fellow at the Institute for Molecular Manufacturing.