Key Constraints and Obstacles

We still have a long way to go before we can enjoy the fruits of nanotechnology.  If you think nano-pants with a stain resistant coating is a true representation of the potential of the science, then think again.  The true value of nanotechnology will ultimately lie in its improvements to electronics and medicine.  Coatings and hard metals are relatively mundane examples of nanotechnology.  In fact, they are so mundane and un-original that I would think twice about labeling them as nanotechnology.  To me, the real essence of nanotechnology occurs when you synthesize something entirely new.  With metals, metallurgists are only tweaking their old synthesis techniques to yield grain sizes with a nanometer order of magnitude.  That's not particularly that innovative compared to, let's say, a carbon nanotube created with laser ablation.

The worst problem that we face right now in nanotechnology lies in our ability to see and manipulate the end products.  We need to rely on a host of tools and analysis techniques, but the truth is that we will never be able to hold a nanowire in our hands or throw a quantum dot.  Nanotechnology will forever be intangible in the human sense.  Much like a microchip processor, the details are too fine for us to fully comprehend without some sort of powerful microscope.  Unfortunately, microscopy is a very time consuming process.  Most microscopes require a vacuum or a clean room in order to operate effectively.  They're also vulnerable to building vibration.