The Center for Responsible Nanotechnology has prepared a 10-page
document that
augments the recent Greenpeace report, "Future
Technologies, Today's Choices", which addresses the risks and benefits of
nanotechnology and artificial intelligence.
“The Greenpeace report is a welcome and much-needed contribution to serious
discussion of nanotechnology’s promise and potential problems,” said Mike
Treder, Executive Director of CRN. “We are especially pleased with their
moderate and balanced approach. There is more, however, that needs to be said
on the topic.”
Chris Phoenix, CRN's Director of Research, said, "Because the Greenpeace
report deals with two very complex topics, nanotechnology and AI, they could
devote only a few pages to molecular manufacturing. Our commentary is intended
to supplement their report and to clarify some important issues."
The document prepared by CRN provides greater detail on the current state of
research in molecular nanotechnology (MNT), and discusses possible near-term
developments in limited molecular nanotechnology (LMNT).
Eric Drexler, chairman of the Foresight Institute and an advisor to CRN, said,
“Molecular manufacturing can have large consequences even in early versions
with relatively narrow abilities. This contribution from CRN makes it clear
that LMNT is an important and accessible objective.”
CRN’s technical commentary includes an analysis of the requirements for
developing LMNT. “The barriers to rapid development are mainly those of
policy, not technology,” said Phoenix. “There is no known scientific objection
to LMNT, and the technical problems are rapidly being broken down into
manageable sub-problems.”
CRN believes that LMNT, while much easier to achieve than full MNT, may have
nearly equivalent appeal and impact. A targeted rapid development program may
be launched for any of a variety of reasons in the near future. “Recent
advances in LMNT research should underscore to policy makers the urgent need
for discussion of possible consequences, both positive and negative,” said
Treder.
Technical Commentary on
Greenpeace Nanotechnology Report
