ronf@tesla.esd.sgi.com (Ron Fischer) (03/27/91)
I've puzzled a bit over how Eric's proposed arm is moved. One obvious solution is to design a simple macroscale robot arm and build it with a catalog of nanoscaled parts of similar function. Generating this parts bin seems like the real challenge. Then there's the related issue of fastening parts together. Moments later we have the nanoscale "machine shop." So what do you call the mechanics? Van DerWaals monkeys? But seriously, linear actuator, position sensor, "wires," I haven't heard any proposals for these? A statement made occasionally is that at nanoscale such transliterations of parts won't be needed. Maybe its a good idea to start on the problem that way even so? ronf();