Below is a graphic that illustrates those four stages, or generations:
CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE
Notice how Mike describes the significant differences that will emerge during the fourth generation:
After 2015-2020, the field will expand to include molecular nanosystems—heterogeneous networks in which molecules and supramolecular structures serve as distinct devices. The proteins inside cells work together this way, but whereas biological systems are water-based and markedly temperature-sensitive, these molecular nanosystems will be able to operate in a far wider range of environments and should be much faster. Computers and robots could be reduced to extraordinarily small sizes. Medical applications might be as ambitious as new types of genetic therapies and antiaging treatments. New interfaces linking people directly to electronics could change telecommunications.
I want to emphasize what he’s saying here: “whereas biological systems are water-based and markedly temperature-sensitive,” by contrast, fourth-generation molecular nanosystems “will be able to operate in a far wider range of environments and should be much faster.”
The sounds like a good description of molecular manufacturing, with non-biological systems (perhaps composed of diamandoid) operating in a eutactic environment and capable of greatly improved throughput.
And guess what—those “extraordinarily small” computers and robots that Mike foresees not only will provide smaller, faster, better medical applications and communications interfaces, but also will form the internal structure of a nanofactory.
Mike Treder is a fellow of the IEET, and the Executive Director of the non-profit
Center for Responsible Nanotechnology, an organization working to raise awareness of the issues presented by advanced nanotechnology.
IEET Blog