This 'nonsense' seems a lot more feasible now. We are now able to direct the formation of covalent bonds between two molecules using an atomic force microscope

This 'nonsense' seems a lot more feasible now. We are now able to direct the formation of covalent bonds between two molecules using an atomic force microscope to position said molecules close to each other such that a reaction occurs in the desired location[0]. They show how NaCl films may present a solution the fat/sticky finger problem. It's still a long way from drexlerian nanotech, but being unable to controllably form covalent bonds through positioning was one of the big arguments against drexlerian nanotech. [0]https://www.nature.com/articles/s41557-021-00773-4 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41557-021-00773-4