P1050958 Wil McCarthy heats glass with a hair dryer

for a demonstration of programmable material that turns reflective under heat. Read more about Wil McCarthy's work with programmable matter in this article.

McCarthy's practical work in this area developed from his nonfiction book "Hacking Matter", which it turn was born from his fiction. In his Guest of Honor speech he talked about the events that lead to writing of "Hacking Matter", and how it attracted investors' interest, leading to creation of programmable matter startup. McCarthy talked about his company's journey to discovery of viable commercial applications for these materials, and why he avoids the word "nanotechnology" for marketing this technology to investors. He briefly discussed weapon potential and security issues of programmable matter with the audience. Finally, he talked about balancing his science and writing careers, or rather, impossibility thereof.</p>

Read more about ApolloCon 2009 in general in my blog

Read more about ApolloCon 2009 in general in my blog

P1050961 Glass grows reflective under heat

as Wil McCarthy demonstrates programmable matter created by his company.

authors, science, technology, Wil McCarthy, writers

as Wil McCarthy demonstrates programmable matter created by his company. Read more about Wil McCarthy's work with programmable matter in this article.

McCarthy's practical work in this area developed from his nonfiction book "Hacking Matter", which it turn was born from his fiction. In his Guest of Honor speech he talked about the events that lead to writing of "Hacking Matter", and how it attracted investors' interest, leading to creation of programmable matter startup. McCarthy talked about his company's journey to discovery of viable commercial applications for these materials, and why he avoids the word "nanotechnology" for marketing this technology to investors. He briefly discussed weapon potential and security issues of programmable matter with the audience. Finally, he talked about balancing his science and writing careers, or rather, impossibility thereof.</p>

Read more about ApolloCon 2009 in general in my blog