Difference between revisions of "Nanotechnology"
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The advanced automation section has mainly focused on automation technologies using robotics and 'macro'-scale systems, as it describes systems that could be achieved with today's technology. However, even more sophisticated and capable technology using {{wp|Molecular_nanotechnology|nano-scale devices}} (at the atomic and molecular scale) are likely to be feasible in the coming decades, that could ultimately give us a similar level of control over matter that we currently have over information using computers. See also related [http://www.molecularassembler.com/Nanofactory/DMS.htm Diamond Mechanosynthesis]. | The advanced automation section has mainly focused on automation technologies using robotics and 'macro'-scale systems, as it describes systems that could be achieved with today's technology. However, even more sophisticated and capable technology using {{wp|Molecular_nanotechnology|nano-scale devices}} (at the atomic and molecular scale) are likely to be feasible in the coming decades, that could ultimately give us a similar level of control over matter that we currently have over information using computers. See also related [http://www.molecularassembler.com/Nanofactory/DMS.htm Diamond Mechanosynthesis]. | ||
| − | This is likely to end up being a mixture of top-down engineering techniques related to current {{wp|Semiconductor_device_fabrication|semi-conductor fabrication}} and {{wp|Microelectromechanical_systems|micro-electro-mechanical systems}} (MEMS), true bottom-up molecular engineering and self-assembly, and derivatives from {{wp|biotechnology|biotechnology}}. This is likely to give us systems of unprecedented precision, capability and small size that will further revolutionise manufacturing, power generation, agriculture and medicine. | + | This is likely to end up being a mixture of top-down engineering techniques related to current {{wp|Semiconductor_device_fabrication|semi-conductor fabrication}} and {{wp|Microelectromechanical_systems|micro-electro-mechanical systems}} (MEMS), true bottom-up molecular engineering and self-assembly, and derivatives from {{wp|biotechnology|biotechnology}}. This is likely to give us systems of unprecedented precision, capability and small size that will further revolutionise manufacturing, power generation, agriculture and medicine. |
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| + | Nano-scale devices that could be sent inside the human body as a medical intervention are being developed. Mice have already been cured of type-I diabetes with this method<sup>[http://www.news-medical.net/news/20100409/Nanotechnology-based-vaccine-cures-mice-with-type-1-diabetes.aspx]</sup>. | ||
''(However as interesting and capable as advanced nanotechnology is likely to be, it is not actually a requirement for the development of an advanced post-scarcity society, which can be achieved with today's technology)''. | ''(However as interesting and capable as advanced nanotechnology is likely to be, it is not actually a requirement for the development of an advanced post-scarcity society, which can be achieved with today's technology)''. | ||
Revision as of 23:46, 27 April 2010
The advanced automation section has mainly focused on automation technologies using robotics and 'macro'-scale systems, as it describes systems that could be achieved with today's technology. However, even more sophisticated and capable technology using nano-scale devices 
(at the atomic and molecular scale) are likely to be feasible in the coming decades, that could ultimately give us a similar level of control over matter that we currently have over information using computers. See also related Diamond Mechanosynthesis.
This is likely to end up being a mixture of top-down engineering techniques related to current semi-conductor fabrication and micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), true bottom-up molecular engineering and self-assembly, and derivatives from biotechnology . This is likely to give us systems of unprecedented precision, capability and small size that will further revolutionise manufacturing, power generation, agriculture and medicine.
Nano-scale devices that could be sent inside the human body as a medical intervention are being developed. Mice have already been cured of type-I diabetes with this method[1].
(However as interesting and capable as advanced nanotechnology is likely to be, it is not actually a requirement for the development of an advanced post-scarcity society, which can be achieved with today's technology).
