Molecular bearing sleeve. Computer model of the sleeve of a molecular bearing, an example of nanotechnology. Each of the coloured spheres represents a single atom. Structures like this can be constructed using carbon-based compounds. Nanotechnology involves the construction of devices at the molecular level. Although it is still largely at the research stage, it promises to revolutionise computing, medicine and manufacturing. This bearing was designed by K. Eric Drexler of the Institute of Molecular Manufacturing, California, USA.