I have heard that Nanotechnology is a pipe dream, or that it is at least (5,10,20,50) years away from realization. Is that true?
Nanotechnology has been described as an AGE of technology. In this way, it can be compared to the iron, bronze, industrial, or information ages. Nanotechnology has branched into several sub-disciplines, and will continue to do so. Over time, it will be a pervasive part of everything we we make and do. This age HAS already begun. Universities are now offering Bachelor, Master, and PhD level degrees in Nanotechnology. The tools of nanotechnology (AFM, STM, etc) have already begun to be defined and are in use today. In time, there will be need for engineers, operators, and technicians to use and maintain these tools, not to mention the designers, salespeople, marketers, managers, researchers, and other people that will be needed to support the business of nanotechnology. Different people have different ideas of what constitutes “real” nanotechnology. Some of those ideas will not be realized until well into the future. Others are ready for market today. NONE of them will ever be realized u
