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NANOTECHNOLOGY The Next Industrial Revolution Military and Societal Implications COL John P. McGuinness USAWC Fellow United States Army Environment Policy.

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Presentation on theme: "NANOTECHNOLOGY The Next Industrial Revolution Military and Societal Implications COL John P. McGuinness USAWC Fellow United States Army Environment Policy."— Presentation transcript:

1 NANOTECHNOLOGY The Next Industrial Revolution Military and Societal Implications COL John P. McGuinness USAWC Fellow United States Army Environment Policy Institute

2 Overview Introduction Caveats Milestones ESOH risks and benefits Societal and defense implications Predictions Recommendations

3 Introduction

4 Caveats Nanotechnology represents a convergence of disciplines Its arrival will be gradual Nanotechnology will be met by resistance

5 Nano- One billionth

6

7 Basic Definitions -Nanoparticle -Nanotube -Buckyball -Quantum dot -Molecular assembly -Massive parallelism

8 Nanoparticle -Less than 100 nanometers -Much greater surface -Much more reactive -Governed by rules of quantum physics

9 Carbon Nanotube 100x stronger than steel Strength to weight ratio 500x greater than aluminum Electrical conductor and nonconductor Directional heat conduction

10 Buckyball Hollow Accepts coatings Penetrates biomembranes

11 Quantum Dot A novel semiconductor with unique optical transmission characteristics Formed from a few hundred atoms Can be made from many substances May be designed to fluoresce in color

12 Molecular Assembly The process by which structures are assembled one molecule at a time.

13 Massive Parallelism A massive number of molecular assemblers working in concert.

14 Milestones in Nanotechnology 1959: Richard Feynman presents concept 1974: named by Norio Taniguchi 1981: Binnig and Rohrer invent STM 1986: K. Eric Drexler, Engines of Creation 1995: RAND study offers criteria 2000: National Nanotechnology Initiative 2002: Crichton published Prey

15 Environmental Benefits of Nanotechnology Decrease in waste products and waste energy Scavenging devices Improved detection of contaminants

16 Environmental Risks of Nanotechnology Nanotechnology represents a new risk May damage lungs May damage digestive systems

17 Sustainability Not rely on extracted substances Not promote an increase in waste products No physical degradation of the environment Meet human needs

18 Regulatory Authority Environmental Protection Agency Occupational Safety and Health Agency Toxic Substances Control Act

19 Societal Implications Clean water is widely available National advantages will be negated Populations will shift Human rights questions Governance may change New notions of corporate profit Ideology is more prominent!

20 Nanotechnology will not change Notions of racial superiority Territorial envy Need for markets

21 Defense Nanotechnology can offer some major benefits: -New materials -New weapons -Enhanced logistics -Improved battlefield awareness -Opportunity to be born joint

22 Nanotechnology Significant challenges: Civil and economic disruption or catastrophe Tactical threat

23 Foreign Programs Iran China India Others

24 Army Programs -Army Research Office (ARO) -Institute for Soldier Nanotechnology (ISN)

25 The Army can shape the development of nanotechnology -Develop specific items -Establishment of standards and practices - Acquisition policies

26 Predictions for Nanotechnology 1.Much to learn 2.We have competition 3.Multiple sites 4.Will change our lives 5.Will be weaponized

27 Recommendations 1.The Army must develop a nanotechnology focus. 2.Continue research, especially into ESOH implications 3.Seek to identify unintended consequences 4.Evaluate nano machines as chemical agents 5.Employ nanotechnology in gaming scenarios

28 Conclusion Technology, by itself, is neither good nor bad and like it or not, nanotechnology is coming.

29 DASA(ESOH) and Nanotechnology This is an opportunity to get ahead of an emerging issue and avoid future costs. - no more Hanfords - no more Rocky Mountain Arsenal - no more Camp Edwards

30 DASA(ESOH) and Nanotechnology Seek to influence “shopping list” - contaminant detectors - resistant coatings - toxin detectors - physiological monitors - water filters - active scavengers

31 DASA(ESOH) and Nanotechnology Develop protective measures: - focal point for nanotechnology issues in DA and other services - start to draft nanotechnology protection guidelines - invite participation from public, NGOs, concerned community and academe

32 DASA(ESOH) and Nanotechnology Seek to influence acquisition process: - insure contractors follow best practices - cradle to grave - call for RFPs to satisfy essential rule requirements

33 DASA(ESOH) and Nanotechnology Must stay informed: - identify, designate or recruit a nano expert on the staff - monitor lexis nexus - attend participate in nano conferences - monitor ESOH literature for relevant developments - assess the business viability of emerging nanotechnology

34 DASA(ESOH) and Nanotechnology Areas for further exploration: - status of nanoweapons under CWC - infrastructure requirements for United States to maintain technological dominance: human, technical and educational over 5/10/20 years

35 Desktop Factory

36 Sustainability

37 Comparative Spending


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