Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: utzoo!utgpu!water!watmath!clyde!rutgers!ames!ucbcad!ucbvax!ht.ai.mit.EDU!hamscher From: hamscher@ht.ai.mit.EDU.UUCP Newsgroups: comp.ai.digest Subject: Nano-Engineering Message-ID: <8706181135.AA21892@ht.ai.mit.edu> Date: Thu, 18-Jun-87 07:35:44 EDT Article-I.D.: ht.8706181135.AA21892 Posted: Thu Jun 18 07:35:44 1987 Date-Received: Sun, 21-Jun-87 03:59:59 EDT Sender: daemon@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU Distribution: world Organization: The ARPA Internet Lines: 122 Approved: ailist@stripe.sri.com Date: 16 Jun 1987 09:10-EDT From: DAVSMITH@A.ISI.EDU The recent discussion of the $6M man reminded me of an oddity which someone out there in Net-land might be able to clarify. Early one morning on NPR (National Public Radio) I was surprised to hear a feature from someone at the MIT AI Lab entitled Nano-Engineering. * * * Can anyone confirm (a) that this was perpetrated and (b) that it came from MIT? Its proponents call it Nanotechnology. The most well known spokesman seems to be Eric Drexler, who has written a book about it called "Engines of Creation." I think it's from MIT Press. Below I have included an announcement of a two day symposium that was held during IAP (Independent Activities Period, known as "January" to the world outside MIT). As you can see from the header of the message, there is a mailing list called nanotechnology@oz.ai.mit.edu, or, from outside MIT a better bet would be to try nanotechnology@ai.ai.mit.edu. ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; Date: Fri, 16 Jan 87 02:35 EST From: Christopher Fry Subject: Nanotechnology Symposium To: nanotechnology@OZ.AI.MIT.EDU, MACROMOLECULES-MIT@OZ.AI.MIT.EDU, ROBOTICS-SEMINARS@OZ.AI.MIT.EDU, *BBOARD@OZ.AI.MIT.EDU Exploring Nanotechnology An IAP 87 Symposium All technology rests ultimately on our ability to arrange atoms. Foreseeable technological advances will enable us to build devices to atomic specifications. This "nanotechnology" will have profound consequences, forcing a reevaluation of our expectations regarding the next several decades. In the symposium, we will explore paths to the development of nanotechnology, consequences of the technology in various disciplines, and we will critically examine the premises of these assertions via panel discussions which will include experts in several fields. Tuesday, 20 January 1987, 10-250 10:00 - 11:00 am Overview: Eric Drexler (BS '77, MS '79) will describe various paths to the development of replicating assembler systems, capable of manufacturing complex components to atomic specification. Some potential applications, such as mechanical nanocomputers, and their consequences will be discussed. We strongly recommend you attend this talk in order to follow the subsequent discussions in context. 11:05 - 11:45 am Materials Science and Protein Engineering: Kevin Ulmer will discuss the protein engineering techniques which could be used to create new alloys and composites. New materials made to atomic specifications promise order of magnitude improvements in performance. One consequence is space transportation costs equivalent to current airline costs. Noon - 1:00 pm Lunch Break 1:00 - 1:40 pm Panel Discussion I. A panel of experts will discuss the technical feasibility of various aspects of nanotechnology, including consideration of the time frame. A panel moderator will take questions from the audience. 1:45 - 2:25 pm Economics: David Friedman will discuss the consequences of nanotechnology, such as extreme decentralization of the economy. On-site, personal manufacturing stations could virtually eliminate mass production. What will happen to our economy during the transition to this technology? 2:30 - 3:10 pm Society, Technology and Policy: Arthur Kantrowitz will share his thoughts on how society may be affected, and what kind of future may be in store for the human race. How can our government adapt to this new technology and what legislation, if any, should be enacted to control its development? 3:10 - 3:25 Break. 3:25 - 4:05 pm Thought and Intelligence: Marvin Minsky will speak on intelligent systems which could employ Avogadro's number of parallel nanocomputers. Achieving artificial intelligence by mimicking human brain architecture is a rapid route to true AI with nanotechnology. 4:10 - 4:40 pm Concluding Points: Eric Drexler will wrap up by describing life extension possibilities using cell repair machines. 4:10 - 5:00 pm Panel Discussion II. A panel of experts will discuss the societal implications of nanotechnology, including steps we might take to avoid some of the dangerous consequences of nanotechnology. A panel moderator will take questions from the audience. Thursday, 22 January 1987 7:30 - 10:00 pm Advanced Topics: NE43-773 As an extension to the symposium we will hold a special session during the regular meeting time of the MIT Nanotechnology Study Group. We will discuss, in depth, critical issues regarding the development of nanotechnology such as control of assemblers, guidance of technology development, and prevention of abuse. Eric Drexler will be with us. Recommended only for those who attend the symposium on Tuesday, or who have attended NSG introductory lectures in the past. Sponsored by the MIT Nanotechnology Study Group, the Dept. of Applied Biological Sciences, the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, the Office of the Associate Provost, the Graduate Student Council, the Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering, and the Dept. of Political Science. Special thanks to the AI Lab for its generous support of this activity. Contact cfry@@MIT-OZ