http://www.physorg.com/news100264289.html

I"m against the idea of self assembling nanobots, they might multiply out of control. Self asembling macroscipic robots might cause similar problems- if you have ber watched Terminator, self assembling robots might make that possible.

To the future:"We don't know where we're going ,just that we're going" (Yogi Berra)

I implore the developers of this type of technology (nanotech or not) to seek the advice of the Foresight institute - just google for a link.

I feel that any self-replicating system should have built in fail-safes.
A few ideas that spring to mind are;

A. Requiring a constant 'Keep Alive' signal in order for these items to be able to function at all.
B. Requiring a constant 'Reproduce' signal in order for these items to be able to reproduce.
C. Permitting a 'Self-Destruct' signal so that these items can be easily permanently deactivated.

These signals should be well designed and kept as simple as possible. For instance, if self-replicators accidentally strayed outside a particular area of intended operation, the lack of the 'Keep Alive' signal would simply shut them down.

Additionally, a programmed lifespan and perhaps a challenge / response system to allow use of raw materials for replication purposes could be designed.

Obviously, the code for this should be 'bug free' and impossible to reprogram or spoof.

I am sure the bright people at Foresight have thoughts on all these types of matters.

I can recall when science fiction first started dealing with nanotechnology I read descriptions of a world viewed from space slowly being covered by a grey carpet of self-replicating nanomachines.

It seems that it won't be long now.

It's easy enough to disable nanotech. You could use a torch or a defiblerator or sonic vibrations. No need for paranoia here.

Is this more panick about grey goo?

Self assembly is not replication and never will be. Gree goo scenario nanobots will never hapen by accident. They would have to be made deliberately at great effort.

Although some rich nut in the future could conceivably create gray-goo-making-nanobots...

Never mind, that thought is probably influenced by James Bond.

I for one welcome our metal overlords!

We should begin the virgin sacrifices to appease the mighty Nanobots on their arrival.

Paranoid buffoons, the machine relies on pre-fabricated parts. What do you think it's going to do, hijack a car, hold a company hostage and make them build more techic Lego blocks at gunpoint?

One thing about nanobots and their future ability to self assemble is, even if it gets going, we are still the size of King Kong in comparison. Picture yourself up a tree swatting at nano-copters with your hand, with nano-tanks firing at you below. Tennis or golf anyone! I would be more worried about megabots learning how to self assemble.

One could take a nest of angry honets, a hill of army ants, a bunch of web making spiders or even a legion of praying mantises, and put them all near their factory, and sell the battle on pay per view. This would make an excellent sci-fi movie.