Q: Using the Casimir force, like magnetic force, one can only generate energy while something is moving as a result of a field. If you were to create a similar dumbbell idea using magnetic forces, you would see that it isn't possible to generate energy from something like this. Otherwise you could generate infinite energy from one magnet, and where would that energy have to come from in order to do so? I can't think of a solution. It is conceivable that near-perpetual motion could be created, as there would be very little friction at such small distances, but as soon as you started harvesting energy from the system, it would eventually slow to a stop. As far as I can tell, it would take plates which are constantly falling towards each other to create any energy from the Casimir force.

A: The assessment that the Dumbbells are perpetual motion machines or that energy isn't conserved is completely misunderstood and wrong. The nanomachine design from Warp Speed is such that the Casimir effect drives them. The force on the device is completely due to the zero point vacuum energy fluctuations of spacetime and nothing else. The energy truly does come right out of spacetime. In fact, I have read of several cases within the past few years since I wrote the book where such experiments are being conducted with some success. The so-called ZPMs of Stargate SG1 and Atlantis would be smaller versions of the large power supplies I described in Warp Speed. -Doc