Nanotechnology is the engineering of functional systems at the molecular scale. This covers both current work and concepts that are more advanced.
In its original sense, ‘nanotechnology’ refers to the projected ability to construct items from the bottom up, using techniques and tools being developed today to make complete, high performance products.
Nanotechnology is the engineering of tiny machines — the projected ability to build things from the bottom up inside personal nanofactories (PNs), using techniques and tools being developed today to make complete, highly advanced products. Ultimately, nanotechnology will enable control of matter at the nanometer scale, using mechanochemistry. Shortly after this envisioned molecular machinery is created, it will result in a manufacturing revolution, probably causing severe disruption. It also has serious economic, social, environmental, and military implications.
What could nanofactories produce?
- Lifesaving medical robots or untraceable weapons of mass destruction.
- Networked computers for everyone in the world or networked cameras so governments can watch our every move.
- Trillions of dollars of abundance or a vicious scramble to own everything.
- Rapid invention of wondrous products or weapons development fast enough to destabilize any arms race.
Is nanotechnology bad or good ?
Nanotechnology offers great potential for benefit to humankind, and also brings severe dangers. While it is appropriate to examine carefully the risks and possible toxicity of nanoparticles and other products of nanoscale technology, the greatest hazards are posed by malicious or unwise use of molecular manufacturing. CRN’s focus is on designing and promoting mechanisms for safe development and effective administration of MM.
