Outline of Nanotechnology - Risks of Nanotechnology

Risks of Nanotechnology

Main article: Implications of nanotechnology

• Grey goo – hypothetical end-of-the-world scenario involving molecular nanotechnology in which out-of-control self-replicating robots consume all matter on Earth while building more of themselves, a scenario known as ecophagy ("eating the environment"). Grey goo consists of devices that could potentially be able to make copies of themselves repeatedly without control from the creator. In other words, an uncontrollable, self-replicating nano-machine or robot. The concept of grey goo is largely similar to the vast amount of science-fiction movies that involve self-replicating robots taking over the world. These are science-fiction movies because they are not based off of anything real, but this potential outbreak of self-replicating robots has become a reality through the research of nanotechnology. The term grey goo was devised by Eric Drexler in one of his many books. Eric Drexler knew that grey goo could be extremely dangerous and could potentially take over everything if scientists did not know what to do to stop them. He said, "Dangerous replicators could easily be too tough, small, and rapidly spreading to stop — at least if we made no preparation." In Chris Phoenix and Eric Drexler's paper "Safe Exponential Manufacturing" they state that grey goo cannot be produced through the software programs used for nanotechnology. They say, "The development and use of molecular manufacturing need not at any step involve systems that could run amok as the result of accident or faulty engineering."

• People such as state agencies, criminals and enterprises could use nanorobots to eavesdrop on conversations held in private.