However, it has been theorized that Riri may have been coerced into building the machine. In the movie she claims her professor repeatedly stated it was impossible and called her abilities into question, so it is possible she was motivated to create the device with the intent of it being seized by the U.S. government. [1] Additionally, upon being seized by the U.S. Navy and CIA, the machine saw immediate use. Riri Williams was never informed her device had been taken, or that it was being used. As a result, this action directly opposed Riri's original intent for the device. It also violated the wishes of Wakanda, Talokan, and international treaty.

Finally, after being taken back to Wakanda the machine was re-adjusted by both Riri and Shuri to be utilized as a weapon during the ensuing war on Talokan. They use the machine to both lure the Talokanils into an ambush, but then also weaponizes its sonic abilities to produce deafening soundwaves. If the original intent of the machine was for research purposes, it was ultimately used as a weapon in war.

The vibranium detector demonstrates how, regardless of original intent, computing technologies can be used for a multitude of purposes. When looking at real discoveries that originated from scientific endevors and ultimately saw themselves as weapons, there is no need to look further than the splitting of the atom. To better research the nuclei, particle accelerators revealed in 1932 that an atom could be split: and by doing so massive amounts of energy would be released. [2] 13 years later, the first atomic weapon would be successfully detonated at Alamogordo Bombing and Gunnery Range, Los Alamos, with the force of between 15 and 20 kilotons. Regardless of the intent originally held when the first atom was split, this technological advancement ultimately led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands. [3]

Regardless of the original intent however, the Iron Heart suit used for criminal activities. When initially revealed, Riri utilizes the suit to evade the police and FBI, destroy government property, and while not confirmed necessarily, to kill law enforcement personnel. All three of these actions are federal crimes, and result in fines and time in prison. [4,5,6]

In addition, Riri Williams utilizes her suit as a weapon in war, fighting for the Wakandans during their battle against Talokan. While it can be debated due to the circumstances, this is also a federal offense, as it is under most circumstances illegal for American citizens to join foreign militaries if recruited in the U.S. [7]. The relationship between the Iron Heart suit and crime is more clear-cut that that of the vibranium detector, however once again this example highlights how regardless of original intent, the usages of a technology oftentimes define what it becomes known for.

While both technologies made for the purpose of research or out of self-interest, these intents are not as closely associated with them. Instead, the Iron Heart suit is seen as a weapon, and the vibranium detector a source of international conflict and potential larceny.