ULTIMATE COMPUTING - Quantum Consciousness Studies

NanoTechnology 215
10.7 Replicating Automata
Ideas of automatic machines and robots have existed for centuries, but not till
the work of John von Neumann in the mid twentieth century was there
mathematical proof of the possible existence of self-replicating automata in a real
physical sense. Assuming the proper material could be found, and using relatively
simple neighbor logic, subunits could spontaneously assemble into complex
structures, dynamically disassemble, multiply, or rearrange into successive
configurations. Freeman Dyson (1979), Schneiker (1986) and others have
considered the profound usefulness of such hypothetical robotic replicators in
uses and sizes ranging from outer space exploration to household furniture to
nanoscale “Hibb’s machines,” or nanodoctors. Dyson (1979) foresaw selfreplicators
which, after being launched from earth to an asteroid or planet, could
mine, their own raw materials and form symbiotic relationships with other “life”
forms. Shoulders (1961) extended the concept of replicators to the nanoscale
where their existence could have wide ranges of scientific and medical
applications.
Implementation of real-world, useful replicators faces many obstacles. A
NASA study group (Bekey and Naugle, 1980) found that von Neumann’s famous
proof made major assumptions and avoided significant problems. Schneiker
(1987) has summarized an approach to simplifying the development of replicative
automata by minimizing the different types of materials/parts needed, the number
of scale-dependent factors, part tolerance and wear, and assembly complexity.
One other requirement is to increase reliability (i.e. by intrinsic error detection,
repair, regeneration). Presently, these traits are fulfilled only by computer
simulations or purely biological structures such as cytoskeletal proteins and
viruses.
Schneiker (1986) notes that simple microreplicators, augmented with
STM/FMs could mass produce nanotechnology products in virtually unlimited
quantities. Nanotechnology applied to new superconductive materials (and vice
versa) may help to implement useful replicative micro-automata which in turn
could turn out nanodevices in vast quantities. Until recently superconductivity has
been thought limited to near absolute zero temperatures, however some materials
have been shown to have superconductive transitions at much warmer, easily
attainable temperatures (Robinson, 1987).
The dramatic increase in superconducting transition temperatures in certain
materials, and the availability of lossless current, magnets, and motors may herald
a wave of scientific, technological, and economic advances. Schneiker contends
that among these will be the facilitation of STM technology (superconductive
tunneling), Josephson junctions, magnetic field sensors, as well as
superconducting replicators. Superconducting materials offer scaling benefits,
design simplicity, low power needs, and high component density.
Superconducting magnets and coils could form switchable “glue” or “clamps” to
hold subassemblies, generate switchable magnetic field patterns, direct assembly,
positioning, and dynamic functions, drive rotary/linear motors or form
superconducting channels or guideways for material transport (Schneiker, 1987).
Collective intelligence occurring in parallel replicating automata has been
studied by Christopher Langton (1986) of Los Alamos National Laboratories.
Langton is the organizer of a Los Alamos conference on “Artificial Life,” the
study of computer systems that exhibit behavior characteristic of natural life. By
exploring models of cellular automata and self-replicators, Langton (1987) hopes
to “extract the molecular logic of living systems.”
Langton (1987) states.