IMO, the sequencer (1985?) was the first assembler. It builds
atomically precise structures from feedstock according to
keyboard commands.
Merkle's website has a ton of stuff on
>*how* it might be done, but lacks (?) any estimates of the time frame.
>
>Related question: the consensus seems to be that we will have something
>between 2010 and 2020. But what will this "something" be?
>
Engineered protein molecular building blocks for a 3D printer.
3D micromachined SPM arrays making 'semi-precise' (precision in critical
features) whazits. 'Transition-tech' litho/molecular
factories, similar to current biotech on chip sensors.
Etc...
Forrest