Information About the
Nanofactory Product Catalog (NPC)
Nano-CatalogA note from
Mike Deering
General Editor
I envisioned the Nano-Catalog as a way for people to think about the economic and societal implications of the coming nanotech age. Rather than broad general speculations about what the capabilities of the technology will be, this website is a snapshot of specific products that eventually will be available. The Issue Date at the top of the page cycling from 2010 to 2019 indicates the time frame of reasonable expectation for some of these products. As I sit here in my living room typing this note into my computer, the desktop nanofactory has yet to be developed, and none of these products are currently available. So read the product descriptions, and think about which ones you would be interested in, and how it would change your day-to-day life, but don't order yet, or send me any money. I hope to be updating this part of the note in the near future.
When people become aware of the implications of molecular manufacturing they are either thrilled with anticipation or terrified of the possible dangers. While being well informed about the dangers of molecular machinery, I am nevertheless greatly looking forward to the day when I have a nanofactory on my desk. I don't think the dangers should be ignored but careful planning and preparation can manage the risks sufficiently so that the benefits can be enjoyed by all people. The ForeSight Institute and The Center for Responsible Nanotechnology have very important roles in this planning, and we all need to get involved in preparations for the changes to our daily lives that molecular nanotechnology will bring. So go to their website, read their papers, and support them financially.
All of the product files in the Nano-Catalog have prices listed. This is to indicate the continuity of intellectual property rights, patent and copyright law, and economic reward for creativity and innovation. Nevertheless, there is the real possibility that the availability of personal nanofactories that can take raw materials, such as dirt or grass clippings, and turn them into useful products like food and computers may usher in a new moneyless age of personal self sufficiency and independence. Designers, engineers, and other creative people thus freed from the need to support themselves with their creations may drastically reduce or eliminate the cost of nanofactory product files. This would be a logical extension of the free software that is available on the internet and the "open source" movement.
We want to show a broad range of products from a wide variety of people, so if you have an idea for a product, send me an email. deering9@mchsi.com I do all the website design and maintenance, and most of the content. So if you have product contributions for the website, suggestions on improvements, or opportunities for collaboration, send me an email. When nanofactories do become available I plan on transitioning this site into an actual distribution center for real product files, with a ten percent commission on sales. I want Nano-Catalog to be what Amazon is to books, what EBAY is to auctions, and what GOOGLE is to search.
Mike Deering, General Editor, Nano-Catalog.com
A note from
Chris Phoenix
Technical Editor
--- note goes here ---
Nanofactory Product Catalog
E-mail: deering9@mchsi.com
Some products are in development, and others are speculative.
Top of Page Index What's New