Moving Closer to a Manufacturing Revolution


Nanotechnology's long-expected transformation of manufacturing has just
moved closer to reality. A new analysis of existing technological
capabilities, including proposed steps from today's nanotech to
advanced molecular machine systems, was released today by the Center
for Responsible Nanotechnology.

The study, "Molecular Manufacturing: What, Why and How," performed by
Chris Phoenix, CRN Director of Research, is available online at
Wise-Nano.org. It shows how existing technologies can be coordinated
toward a reachable goal of general-purpose molecular manufacturing.

"Molecular manufacturing offers a fundamentally new approach to build
things 'from the bottom up'," said Phoenix. "The idea is to use
nanoscale machines to create structures with atomic precision.
Ultimately, that can result in the ability to make complex products,
both small and large, with unprecedented performance and value."

Theories and concepts for molecular manufacturing, first proposed in
the 1980's by nanotechnology pioneer K. Eric Drexler, have improved
steadily since then. But recent progress is occurring at a faster pace.
Less than two years ago, Phoenix published the first detailed
architecture for a "nanofactory," a remarkably powerful general-purpose
manufacturing appliance that could sit on a desktop. Since then,
Drexler, working with John Burch, has developed an improved design that
should be significantly more efficient.

Recent developments in DNA synthesis and polymer construction, plus
advances in miniaturization and precision of scanning probe
microscopes, are rapidly adding pieces to the nanotech jigsaw puzzle.

This new study puts the pieces in place. Presenting research performed
by CRN under a grant from NASA's Institute for Advanced Concepts, while
also updating and combining existing work in related fields, it
describes a newly simplified way to develop molecular manufacturing
starting with today's technology.

Phoenix describes two approaches for building the initial basic tools
with current technology. Other sections outline incremental improvement
from those early tools toward the first integrated nanofactory, and
analyze a scalable architecture for a more advanced nanofactory.
Product performance and likely applications are discussed, as well as
incentives for corporate or government investment in the technology.
Finally, considerations and recommendations for a targeted development
program are presented.

"We've done an end-to-end analysis of molecular manufacturing's goals
as well as some ways to get there," said Phoenix. "More important, this
study shows that development of the technology will be both highly
desirable and relatively straightforward. It's probably not as far away
as many people think, which means it's time to begin discussing the
ramifications, both positive and negative."

"Molecular Manufacturing: What, Why and How" does not directly address
the societal, environmental, medical, economic, military, security, and
geopolitical implications of the technology's introduction. However,
those topics are explored in other papers and articles on CRN's
website.

This release is posted online at http://CRNano.org/PR-Analysis.htm
The full study is available at http://wise-nano.org/w/Doing_MM

Other resources:
"Design of a Primitive Nanofactory" (Phoenix) -
http://www.jetpress.org/volume13/Nanofactory.htm
"Productive Nanosystems: From Molecules to Superproducts"
(Drexler/Burch) -
http://www.nanotech-now.com/Art_Gallery/John-Burch.htm
"What is Nanotechnology?" - http://www.crnano.org/whatis.htm
"What is Molecular Manufacturing?" -
http://www.crnano.org/essays05.htm#2,Feb
"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 and environmental implications of advanced
nanotechnology. We promote public awareness and education, and the
crafting and implementation of effective policy to maximize benefits
and reduce dangers. CRN is an affiliate of World Care, an
international, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization.


.

Relevant Pages

  • Nanotech Pioneer Calms Fears of Runaway Replicators
    ... NANOTECHNOLOGY PIONEER CALMS FEARS OF RUNAWAY REPLICATORS ... INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS PUBLISHES ARTICLE ON SAFE EXPONENTIAL MANUFACTURING ... founder of Foresight Institute ... UPDATED MOLECULAR NANOTECHNOLOGY CONCEPTS ...
    (sci.nanotech)
  • Molecular Nanotechnology
    ... Manufactured products are made from atoms. ... Today's manufacturing methods are very crude at the molecular level. ... nanotechnology will let us take off the boxing gloves. ...
    (sci.nanotech)
  • Re: NANOTECHNOLOGY Drexler and Smalley make the case for and against molecular assemblers
    ... I have been curious about Nanotech/molecular assemblers, ... canvas sheets into a zeppelin frame, nanotechnology will be feasible. ... Note that Drexler coined the terms "molecular nanotechnology" ... Smalley's "fat fingers, ...
    (rec.arts.sf.science)
  • The Nanogirl News~
    ... increase funding for the National Science Foundation, NASA, National ... Vanderbilt Engineering to lead new defense nanotechnology program. ... Lord of the molecular rings created. ... Scientists craft nano night goggles. ...
    (sci.nanotech)
  • The Nanogirl News~
    ... The National Science ... University-led team to train teachers in nanotechnology and help them ... Accessing vibrational modes of molecular chains at the ... Nanotech 'threatens markets for poor nations' goods'. ...
    (sci.nanotech)