This monstrous machine has been dubbed the MBE and its named after the process that it uses to assemble objects at the molecular level. The process, called molecular beam epitaxy, is the method by which tiny crystalline structures are layered together to form objects. The process is similar to 3D printing, but works on a molecular level.
With this particular MBE, Sharp researchers at the company’s Oxford Labs in England use a plethora of sensors and magnetic arrays to piece together molecular sized Lego blocks to assemble electronics. The machine works in an environment that is similar to the vacuum of outer space.
As crazy as it sounds, these machines have been around since the 1960s and this particular MBE is one of the smallest to date. Check out the researchers detailing the machine in the video below.
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