Nanotechnology set to transform markets, industries, and business models
By Staff -- Manufacturing Business Technology, 12/1/2004 12:00:00 AM MST
Companies in virtually every industry should become knowledgeable of developments in nanotechnology, says Dr. Iwona Turlik, corporate VP of Motorola,and director of Motorola's laboratory at the Physical Realization Research Center. Companies that are first to apply the new technology could develop such commanding market positions that being a "fast-follower" would not be good enough.
"In basic industries like automotive and materials, I don't know if it's registered that this is a big deal," says Turlik. "For some people it's too much hype, but this is a major industrial revolution—the sixth industrial revolution—because it is a general-purpose technology like steam engines, electricity, and transistors. It will completely disrupt markets, industries, and business models."
Nanotechnology is the branch of engineering that deals with things smaller than 100 nanometers, including the building of electronic circuits and devices using single atoms and molecules. At this scale, unique properties and functions—especially resulting from quantum effects—can be manipulated and used in ways never before possible.
Nanotechnology will provide major, long-term competitive advantages to early adopters, according to Turlik. In the area of material sciences, nanotechnology will, for example, enable the production of automobile tires that never wear out. Motorola is working with researchers at Cornell and Michigan University to develop conductive "nano-velcro" that will enable the manufacture and assembly of electronics without solder or adhesives. These "nano-hooks" create a joint that is stronger than many traditional assembly methods and can be manufactured at room temperature.
"It would allow reel-to-reel paper and textile electronics assembly, and create ultrathin flexible IC [integrated circuit] manufacturing that would replace traditional IC plastic packaging," says Turlik.
Giving credence to the idea that it is never too early to start educating people, the National Science Foundation (NSF) recently awarded a five-year, $15-million grant to fund the nation's first Center for Learning and Teaching in Nanoscience and Engineering (NCLT) aimed at developing educational materials for 7-12th grade students.
The NSF grant was awarded to Northwestern University, which will spearhead a consortium. Drawing on the strengths of the various participating partners, NCLT will create modular education materials designed to integrate with existing course curricula and align with national and state science education standards.
The initial goal of the project is to reach one million U.S. students.
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