[extropy-chat] Molecular Manufacturing: Step by Step

[MIKE TREDER]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Center for Responsible Nanotechnology
Chris Phoenix, Director of Research - cphoenix at CRNano.org
Mike Treder, Executive Director - mtreder at CRNano.org

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.