I've been thinking a lot about the potential of nanobots in transforming manufacturing processes, but I want to focus on what's realistically feasible rather than the more extreme sci-fi ideas like turning the Earth into computronium. Let's imagine a future where:
- We can create molecular nanobots similar to natural biological nanomachines.
- These nanobots can self-replicate using available raw materials.
- They can be remotely coordinated with radio waves.
In this scenario, I'm curious about how these nanobots would actually function in manufacturing and construction. Here are my main questions:
1. Could they self-replicate and then turn into programmable matter, essentially being able to morph into finished products like houses, tools, or even robots?
2. Or would they just use raw materials to build things at the molecular level without becoming part of those end products?
The latter option seems harder to visualize to me. I wonder, if they need to continuously replicate to operate effectively, wouldn't they end up consuming resources meant for construction? I would love to hear any insights on how molecular nanotechnology might realistically play a role in manufacturing and construction! If you have any reliable resources (like articles, videos, or books) that explain this kind of nanotech in a practical and science-based way, I'd really appreciate it!
4 Answers
From what I've gathered, nanobots outside of fluids would need a perfect environment to do construction work. Most practical scenarios assume a highly controlled vacuum. Think less about them being like larger robots and more about how bacteria operate—very mechanistic at the micro level. This (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEYN18d7gHg) gives a good breakdown of how they might work at a fundamental level.
Check out this (https://youtu.be/zqyZ9bFl_qg) with older animations that explains a molecular manufacturing process really clearly. Instead of imagining swarms of nanobots working chaotically in a fluid, think more like a factory setting where molecular components are moved down conveyers and assembled by stationary parts. It really helps put the whole concept into perspective!
Didn’t Drexler eventually acknowledge that the gray goo scenario is not just improbable but highly unlikely? You'd really need reliable molecular self-replication that could manipulate atoms on a large scale. Plus, these bots would face physical barriers like energy limitations and need to convert different matter types into usable materials. It's a lot of ground to cover before we can consider a realistic path forward with ASI (Artificial Superintelligence) in this space. Getting it right could prevent a potential gray goo disaster!
I think the most straightforward application would be producing molecular-precise bulk materials. Think of something like wood—simple in structure—rather than trying to grow complex things like cars. It could produce materials such as carbon nanotubule I-beams, which could really revolutionize construction without diving into highly intricate intermediate designs.
Wouldn't ASI actually pose a greater risk than gray goo, though? If ASI can create advanced technologies and weapons, the threat could be far greater than any gray goo scenario.