How close we are as to being able to utilize nanobots?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the current state and future potential of nanobots, exploring their feasibility, existing technologies, and timelines for practical utilization. It encompasses theoretical considerations, speculative applications, and current advancements in nanotechnology.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express skepticism about the immediate availability of nanobots, suggesting they may be at least 10 years away from practical use.
  • Others question whether any form of nanotechnology currently exists, with some asserting that there are indeed developments in nanomaterials and nanodelivery systems.
  • A participant raises concerns that many proposed designs for autonomous nanobots may violate thermodynamic laws, casting doubt on their feasibility.
  • There is mention of a company in Japan developing a Nano-sized Autonomous Semi-Robotic Organism (NASRO), with uncertain progress reported.
  • Some participants highlight the distinction between nanotechnology and the more fantastical depictions of nanobots in popular media, emphasizing ongoing work in nanocircuits and materials.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the timeline for the development of nanobots, with differing views on their feasibility and current technological advancements. Multiple competing perspectives remain regarding the nature and existence of nanotechnology.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the definitions of nanotechnology, the assumptions about technological progress, and the speculative nature of future developments. The discussion does not resolve the technical challenges mentioned.

randeezy
Does anyone know how close we are as to being able to utilize nanobots?
 
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There are no devices available, no industrial production of them and I haven't even seen a proof-of-concept piece. I would say that nanobots are at least 10 years away. Likely even further but 10 years is a long time and predicting future is hard enough already.
 


true. is there any type of nanotech out there? i think there is. also, 10 years goes by pretty fast, espicially in today's world...
 


randeezy said:
Does anyone know how close we are as to being able to utilize nanobots?

There are some pretty good reasons to believe that "autonomous" nanobots (as seen in sci-fi) are impossible, mainly because most(all?) of the designs that have been suggested so far violate the laws of thermodynamics in one way or another.
This does not mean that e.g. some forms of "nanodelivery" systems will never be used in medicine, but there is no probably no need to worry about a "grey goo" consisting of self-replicating nanobots.
 


well there was a whole discussion with a board of scientists that said the technology in the book Prey by Michael Crichton was pretty plausible...

maybe... just maybe...
 


randeezy said:
true. is there any type of nanotech out there? i think there is. also, 10 years goes by pretty fast, espicially in today's world...

People often times confuse nanotechnology with small ships that fly through our arteries blasting away plaque with laser cannons. The roots of the word simply means stuff that's really small. There is a lot of work in nanomaterials that I know of. Building nanocircuits and things like that are also becoming more common.
 


I know there's a company in Japan that's working on something called NASRO. which stands for Nano-sized Autonomous Semi-Robotic Organism. I hear that they're nearing completion... maybe, who knows...
 

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