Definition

PossibleApplications

PossibleRisks

Where we are now

Feasibility

Origins

ContentsContents

What is Molecular What is Molecular Nanotechnology?Nanotechnology?

Molecular Nanotechnology is defined as "machines at the molecular scale designed and built atom-by-atom“.

OriginsOriginsThe term Nanotechnology was The term Nanotechnology was first coined by K. Eric Drexler in first coined by K. Eric Drexler in his book, Engines of Creation.his book, Engines of Creation.

OriginsOrigins

In this book, Drexler explained the In this book, Drexler explained the concept of a nanoscale concept of a nanoscale “assembler” that could create “assembler” that could create copies of itself and then create copies of itself and then create other materials.other materials.

Where we are nowWhere we are now

Molecular Nanotechnology is Molecular Nanotechnology is beyond our current capabilities.beyond our current capabilities.

Where we are NowWhere we are Now

A set of guidelines has been A set of guidelines has been put forward on the safe use of put forward on the safe use of Nanotechnology, in preparation Nanotechnology, in preparation for when it is developed.for when it is developed.

Where we are NowWhere we are Now

There is an increasing amount There is an increasing amount of theoretical work to of theoretical work to synthesize diamond by synthesize diamond by removing/adding hydrogen removing/adding hydrogen atoms and depositing carbon atoms and depositing carbon atoms.atoms.

Applications of Molecular Applications of Molecular NanotechnologyNanotechnology

Smart Materials - Materials that Smart Materials - Materials that are engineered for a specific are engineered for a specific purpose at the molecular scale.purpose at the molecular scale.

Applications of Molecular Applications of Molecular NanotechnologyNanotechnology

Self Replicating Nanobots – Self Replicating Nanobots – Incredibly small robots that Incredibly small robots that could create copies of could create copies of themselves and then work in themselves and then work in swarms to manufacture other swarms to manufacture other objects.objects.

Applications of Molecular Applications of Molecular NanotechnologyNanotechnology

Medical Nanobots that could be Medical Nanobots that could be released into the blood stream released into the blood stream to remove disease.to remove disease.

Applications of Molecular Applications of Molecular NanotechnologyNanotechnology

Utility Fog – A cloud of Utility Fog – A cloud of networked nanobots that could networked nanobots that could change its shape and change its shape and properties based on software properties based on software commands. commands.

Risks of Molecular Risks of Molecular NanotechnologyNanotechnology

Economic – MNT would be likely to Economic – MNT would be likely to upset the world economy by upset the world economy by reducing the scarcity of reducing the scarcity of manufactured goods and making manufactured goods and making many more goods manufacturable.many more goods manufacturable.

Risks of Molecular Risks of Molecular NanotechnologyNanotechnology

Grey Goo – There is a worry that self Grey Goo – There is a worry that self replicating Nanorobots designed to replicating Nanorobots designed to replicate with natural materials could replicate with natural materials could be turned loose and begin to replicate, be turned loose and begin to replicate, ultimately consuming the Earth.ultimately consuming the Earth.

Risks of Molecular Risks of Molecular NanotechnologyNanotechnology

MNT could possibly be used to MNT could possibly be used to create cheaper and more create cheaper and more destructive weapons.destructive weapons.

FeasibilityFeasibility

It is not currently known how It is not currently known how molecular Nanobots could be molecular Nanobots could be constructed.constructed.

FeasibilityFeasibility

There is no efficient way of There is no efficient way of Manufacturing things at the molecular Manufacturing things at the molecular level.level.

It has been predicted that we It has been predicted that we will have full Nanotechnology will have full Nanotechnology by the year 2025. by the year 2025.

So wait and find out.