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astropin
SFN Regular
USA
970 Posts |
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Dude
SFN Die Hard
USA
6891 Posts |
 Posted - 02/15/2005 : 23:48:01 [Permalink]
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quote:
I think we may eventually have some useful simple nanomachines (indeed we already do), but tiny robots that work together to fix our bodies from the inside? Unlikely using traditional semiconductor technology.
Semiconductor technology doesn't really play a role.
And Dr. Smalley has had factual errors pointed out in his objections, and has never responded to a point by point rebuttal of his objections made by Dr Drexler.
And the evidence that molecular assembly is possible is contained within every living cell on the planet.
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Ignorance is preferable to error; and he is less remote from the truth who believes nothing, than he who believes what is wrong.
-- Thomas Jefferson
"god :: the last refuge of a man with no answers and no argument." - G. Carlin
Hope, n.
The handmaiden of desperation; the opiate of despair; the illegible signpost on the road to perdition. ~~ da filth |
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astropin
SFN Regular
USA
970 Posts |
Posted - 02/16/2005 : 11:10:23 [Permalink]
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| Nanotechnology is a given, and Drexler's "assemblers" will arrive someday. Now, whether or not they will appear in 20 years is another matter. If it doesn't go against the known laws of physics it will eventually happen (unless we destroy ourselves in the process). I have seen nothing regarding Drexler's nanobots that contradict physics. It's just a matter of time people. I think 20-50 years is a good guess. On that note, how would you like to be among the last generation to die of old age! I have found in my travels that "skeptics" who argue against the feasibility of nano-assemblers aren't really being skeptical.....just cynical (my opinion). Now, on the topic of immortality, I see nothing here that leads to immortality. Immortality is probably a pipe dream (albeit a good one to have) seeing as the universe has a finite life span. Doesn't it? |
I would rather face a cold reality than delude myself with comforting fantasies.
You are free to believe what you want to believe and I am free to ridicule you for it.
Atheism:
The result of an unbiased and rational search for the truth.
Infinitus est numerus stultorum |
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Ricky
SFN Die Hard
USA
4907 Posts |
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woolytoad
Skeptic Friend
313 Posts |
Posted - 02/16/2005 : 15:32:28 [Permalink]
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quote:
Originally posted by astropin
Woolytoad, what do you think of this article? "That's impossible!"
How good scientists reach bad conclusions by Ralph C. Merkle
Or this one? Of Chemistry, Nanobots, and Policy
I don't think those are the same things as the original topic. Self synthesis is already possible, we can even manipulate proteins and atoms to create simple machines. But this is a long way from robots that will travel inside you looking for injuries and natural wear and then harvesting materials to fix them.
I'm going to take a tradional interpertation of "robots".
Edit: Rereading my original quoted paragraphs, I don't necessarily agree with every point, but the general idea that nano robots are still in the realm of fantasy.
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| Edited by - woolytoad on 02/16/2005 15:36:22 |
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Dude
SFN Die Hard
USA
6891 Posts |
Posted - 02/16/2005 : 17:00:41 [Permalink]
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quote:
Edit: Rereading my original quoted paragraphs, I don't necessarily agree with every point, but the general idea that nano robots are still in the realm of fantasy.
I agree. But I don't think they will remain there. Also, I'm not sure that 20 years is enough time. Maybe 40 or 50. I dunno.
But. The sciences of biology and medicine have to also be taken into account. The average lifespan increases every year due to advances here. The world is spending, literally, trillions a year in biotech and medical research. Those of us who are in our 30's will have a fair chance (speculation, again) of having productive 100 year lives. And if I live 65 more years, then maybe the average lifespan will be 120. And so on.
As said, it's all just (mostly) speculation at this point.
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Ignorance is preferable to error; and he is less remote from the truth who believes nothing, than he who believes what is wrong.
-- Thomas Jefferson
"god :: the last refuge of a man with no answers and no argument." - G. Carlin
Hope, n.
The handmaiden of desperation; the opiate of despair; the illegible signpost on the road to perdition. ~~ da filth |
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