Molecular Manufacturing: Step by Step


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Center for Responsible Nanotechnology
Chris Phoenix, Director of Research - cphoenix@xxxxxxxxxx
Mike Treder, Executive Director - mtreder@xxxxxxxxxx

March 31, 2005

Molecular Manufacturing: Step by Step

Advanced nanotechnology -- molecular manufacturing -- will bring
benefits and risks, both on an unprecedented scale. A new paper
published by the Center for Responsible Nanotechnology suggests that
development of molecular manufacturing can be an incremental process
from today's capabilities, and may not be as distant as many believe.

"Molecular manufacturing has always had great promise, but as a single
challenge, it has seemed intimidating. Breaking the problem down into
stages shows that it can be achieved step by step," says Chris Phoenix,
CRN's Director of Research and author of the paper, "Developing
Molecular Manufacturing."

Three stages for the development of molecular manufacturing, each with
specific capabilities, are identified in the paper. The first stage is
the computer-controlled fabrication of precise molecular structures.
The second stage uses nanoscale tools to build more tools, enabling
exponential growth of the manufacturing base. The third stage, which
integrates nanoscale products into large structures, leads directly to
desktop "nanofactories" that could build advanced products.

Distributed general-purpose manufacturing of high-performance products
has many potential impacts. Production of weapons, various forms of
vice, and intellectual property violations would be difficult to
regulate. Clumsy regulatory attempts could create an intractable black
market infrastructure. The easing of logistic constraints could have
military implications, as could sudden advances in robotics and
aerospace. If used widely enough, a shift in industrial use of raw
materials and location of manufacture could affect resource production
and international trade patterns.

On the positive side, large-scale use of inexpensive but highly
sophisticated technology could quickly replace inefficient or missing
infrastructure. Advanced components and materials could make space
access cheaper and easier. Rapid prototyping and production of
nanoscale devices could be a boon to medical research and health care.

Mike Treder, Executive Director of CRN, says, "Because both the risks
and the benefits of molecular manufacturing are so great, and because
it can be developed step-by-step from today's technologies, it is
urgent that we gain a better understanding of the timetable, the
capabilities, and the actual implications."

Phoenix adds, "Although the most transformative and dangerous results
rely on the most advanced stage of development, success in earlier
stages could lead to surprisingly rapid development of the more
advanced capabilities. There are several specific areas of study that
can improve our understanding of the potential of molecular
manufacturing. These studies can and should be initiated today."


This release is posted online at http://CRNano.org/PR-Developing.htm
The full research paper, "Developing Molecular Manufacturing," is
available at http://CRNano.org/developing.htm

Other resources:
"What is Nanotechnology?" - http://www.crnano.org/whatis.htm
"What is Molecular Manufacturing?" -
http://www.crnano.org/essays05.htm#2,Feb
"Bootstrapping a Nanofactory: From Fabricator to Finished Products" -
http://www.crnano.org/bootstrap.htm
"Thirty Essential Nanotechnology Studies" -
http://www.crnano.org/studies.htm


The Center for Responsible Nanotechnology (http://CRNano.org) is
headquartered in New York. CRN is a non-profit think tank concerned
with the major societal implications of advanced nanotechnology. We
promote public awareness and education, and the crafting of effective
policy to maximize benefits and reduce dangers. CRN is an affiliate of
World Care, an international, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization.


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