The microscopes that now enable them to see nanometer-scale objects offer this opportunity. The tiny probe of a scanning tunneling microscope flies above the surface of an object, sensing individual atoms. One futuristic application of nanotechnology might produce tiny surgical robots to repair the body from the inside, improving on its natural healing machinery. Currently, the sweetest fruits of nanotechnology still live in the world of dreams, but scientists are not slumbering. Soon, they will move their human-made nanoworlds out from under the microscope to invigorate the macroscopic world.
Nonexistent technology gets a hearing.
Lipkin, R. 1995. Micro steam engine makes forceful debut. Pennisi, E. 1992. Molecular tools for manufacturing. Peterson, I. 1995.