DMC-FX7
ƒ/2.8
5.8 mm
1/60
100

On the right are some modules from a self-replicating robot.

Each module is identical, and the system runs a distributed embedded program (there is neither central node nor broadcast instructions). They draw power from the table top and depend on a feed of modules.

Q-Ped on the left uses evolutionary algorithms to learn how to walk.

“At the Cornell Computational Synthesis Lab we explore biologically-inspired computational and physical processes that allow complex high-level systems to arise from low-level building blocks – automatically. We seek new biological concepts for engineering and new engineering insights into biology.” (CCSL)

17 responses to “Early Replicants”

  1. Self-replicating robots in inherently creepy. In a good way, but creepy nevertheless.

  2. creepy and crawly…. you should see them walk!

    and here are the people working hard on Bill Joy’s creepy concerns…

  3. The video of these things coordinating various structures are pretty amazing.

    The future of robotics will not be centralized. Oh, but it will be televised.

  4. All hogwash, this self replicating, local intelligence self development nonsense –

    "I did it all!"

    – The Kansas Flying Spaghetti Monster.

  5. They draw power from the table top and depend on a feed of modules.

    Not that creepy, then. 😉

  6. I followed the link for a bit; but the cubes do not seem to build other, identical cubes. Isn’t this what the self-replicating thing is about?

    Like the wikipedia says:
    "A self-replicating machine would need to have the capacity to gather energy and raw materials, process the raw materials into finished components, and then assemble them into a copy of itself."

    Ahhh, von Neumann, where are you now?

  7. Still cool though, don’t get me wrong 😉

  8. How do they draw power from the tabletop? Via induction?

  9. They get power from naquida and ZPM’s of course

  10. That makes sense to me now… I thought they looked like "replicators" instead of "replicants". How’d they slip through the StarGate, I wonder…?

  11. Watch out for Terminators. 😉

  12. Fascinating! I love working with and designing robots – just wish I had more time for it. Are you familiar with B.E.A.M. robotics?

    This photo would make a great contribution to the Physics Group. Please come and join us, and post your robot photos. Thanks!

  13. Thanks for sharing these science photos. They’re fascinating.

  14. update: Big Dog is a big step forward for robotic quadrapeds… For realism, they even kick the dog… =)

Leave a Reply to The Rocketeer Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *