an brainpower and dramatic decrease in disease among the population. There even exists the possibility that these medical robots could eliminate the need for most modern day medicines. The entire idea of using computerized implants was initially based upon current research and therapy being done using cochlear implants for the deaf and neural implants, which are used to help treat Parkinsons patients. Despite some of his positive statements about nanobots, Kurzweil does not end his discussion on the topic with such optimism. He delves in the potential evils that may arise with the use of nanobots. He believes that nanobots could also be used against people without anyone knowing because of their germ-like size. New concerns will include such questions as Who is controlling the nanobots? and Whom are the nanobots talking to? For example, organizations (e.g., governments, extremist groups) could distribute trillions of undetectable nanobots that could then monitor, influence, or even control our thoughts and actions(Kurzweil, pars 10). He also states that the nanobots could be used to create diseases that only the computers have a cure for. The nanobots could use their extensive knowledge of the human anatomy to create virulent diseases far worse than nature could ever concoct. Computer technology has been evolving and growing at an alarming rate in recent years. In the past year alone computer capabilities have increased over 200%. During World War II, scientists and engineers designed computers using intelligence and current technologies of the day. Today, however, computer programs are used for such design purposes. Brandeis University professors Jordan Pollack and Hod Lipson recently used genetic algorithms to design simple robots, which were then assembled by other robots (Kurzweil, pars. 4). Kurzweil uses the idea of robots building each other as a way of saying that men arent the only ones that can produce the machines. He clearly ...
