Nanofactory
A nanofactory is a proposed system in which nanomachines (resembling molecular assemblers, or industrial robot arms) combine reactive molecules via mechanosynthesis to build larger atomically precise parts. These, in turn, are assembled by positioning mechanisms of assorted sizes to build macroscopic (visible) but still atomically-precise products.
A typical nanofactory would fit in a desktop box, in the vision of K. Eric Drexler published in 1992), a notable work of exploratory engineering. In 2003, Chris Phoenix, Director of Research at the , published a detailed for a 'primitive nanofactory'. Some people contest whether such visions are feasible, although no one has discovered an insurmountable problem with the underlying theories.
If nanofactories can be built, severe disruption to the world economy is one of many possible . Great are also anticipated. Various works of science fiction have explored these and similar concepts. The potential for such devices is part of the mandate of a major UK study led by mechanical engineering professor Ann Dowling. This is expected to report sometime in 2004.
