Richard Smalley

Simply moving forward or holding two target atoms steady requires overcoming microscopic turbulence that would quickly rattle fragile mechanical linkages into absolute pieces.

In addition to thermal turbulence, nanoscale engineers face notorious physical barriers known as the sticky finger problem, famously articulated by Nobel laureate Richard Smalley.

When tiny robotic manipulators handle individual atoms or molecules, quantum mechanical forces dominate the interaction.

Due to van der Waals forces and chemical surface changes, the atom that the miniature robot's arm is trying to place refuses to let go of the tool.

That's just so great.

And also Richard Smalley, who I he was really influential for me when I first saw his speech about energy at Columbia University, which is in your film.

He's in one piece at a time.

It's pretty much the framework for the film.