Report: Nano-Bio will dominate technology

WASHINGTON, Aug. 13 (UPI) -- A U.S. organization of mechanical engineers predicts nanotechnology and biotechnology will soon dominate the world's development.

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, in a report entitled "2020 Vision for Mechanical Engineers," says its members will need to collaborate with partners worldwide during the next two decades to develop technologies that will foster a cleaner, healthier, safer global environment.

The report is based on the April proceedings of The Global Summit on the Future of Mechanical Engineering. The Washington event involved more than 120 engineering and science leaders from 19 nations.

"Nano-bio will provide the building blocks that future engineers will use to solve pressing problems in diverse fields including medicine, energy, water management, aeronautics, agriculture and environmental management," the report said, noting engineers will be able to design at home using advanced computer-aided design programs or in collaboration with their global colleagues in virtual worlds.

The full report is available at http://www.asmeconferences.org/asmeglobalsummit/index.cfm.