Self replicating robots over at Cornell
Ahh something to be proud of when it comes to Cornell. Scientists at my Alma Mater have created small robots that can build copies of themselves. The robot is made out of several small 4 inch cubes that have identical configurations. Each cube has a computer program for replication and electromagnets to attach and detach to one another. A stack of four cubes was able to replicate itself in a matter of 2.5 minutes. As the new robot is constructed, it also helps to construct itself.. pretty nifty.
Of course, at first glance, one may say - umm so what? However, this research work can provide the motivation and inspiration for further work downstream where robots heal themselves or are capable of repairing other units. Of course there are scary notions - what if a robot could make a better version of itself? What if these things became self aware? Scary huh? Yet, it’s cool!
[Check it out]
