Grey goo

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It has been suggested that ecophagy be merged into this article or section. (Discuss)

Part of a series of articles on Molecular Nanotechnology

Molecular assembler Mechanosynthesis Molecular machine Productive nanosystems Nanorobotics K. Eric Drexler Engines of Creation Grey goo

See also Nanotechnology

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Grey goo is a 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").

The term grey goo is usually used in a science fiction context. In the worst postulated scenarios (requiring large, space-capable machines), matter beyond Earth would also be turned into goo (with goo meaning a large mass of replicating nanomachines lacking large-scale structure, which may or may not actually appear goo-like). The disaster is posited to result from a deliberate doomsday device, or from an accidental mutation in a self-replicating nanomachine used only for other purposes, but designed to operate in a natural environment.

The term grey goo was coined by nanotechnology pioneer Eric Drexler in his 1986 book Engines of Creation.^[1]

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[edit] Further reading

[edit] External links

• Some Limits to Global Ecophagy by Biovorous Nanoreplicators, with Public Policy Recommendations
• Nanotechnology pioneer slays "grey goo" myths Paper critical of "grey goo"
• Online edition of the Royal Society's report Nanoscience and nanotechnologies: opportunities and uncertainties
• Goo and Paste Directory
• UK Government & Royal Society commission on Nanotechnology and Nanoscience