From KurweilAI news:
The National Academy of Sciences has released its long-awaited report on molecular manufacturing, in A Matter of Size: Triennial Review of the National Nanotechnology Initiative.
The National Research Council Committee to Review the National Nanotechnology Initiative was asked to "determine the technical feasibility of molecular self-assembly for the manufacture of materials and devices at the molecular scale."
"This report, prepared in response to a congressional request, represents the first open, high-level, science-based evaluation of the concept of molecular manufacturing," said Dr. K. Eric Drexler. "Not surprisingly, this first evaluation led to the first recommendation that research be supported. For a decade or more, researchers eager to pursue this work have faced a closed door. That door now seems to be opening."
The committee concluded that "materials and devices of moderate complexity can be designed and manufactured by molecular self-assembly. Although self-assembly operates on simple and well-understood scientific principles, understanding of the details is far from complete. The ultimate potential of self-assembly processes in nature and in engineered manufacturing systems remains to be explored.
"Proceeding beyond simple self-assembly, there is experimental evidence that biological systems can be modified to operate in conditions far outside those of the living cell, and therefore, many biotechnologists believe that these systems will form the basis for many future manufacturing processes.
"Manufacturing trends and research directions in information technology and related fields also suggest the eventual development of manufacturing processes with some capability to pattern structures with atomic precision," but the perfection and complexity of manufactured products "cannot be predicted with confidence."
According to Mike Treder, Executive Director, Center for Responsible Nanotechnology, "CRN is encouraged to see the National Materials Advisory Board calling for expanded technical investigation of nanotechnology's manufacturing potential. We agree with this and also strongly urge more research into the profound implications, including benefits and risks, of molecular manufacturing."
