Towards Self-Replicating Rapid Prototypers

Neil Halelamien writes "Researchers at the University of Bath are developing a rapid prototyping machine capable of making copies of itself and other products, reminiscent of the Universal Constructor proposed by von Neumann. The so-called Replicating Rapid-Prototyper (or RepRap) would produce items from raw materials and small components like microchips. If successful, this could make rapid prototyping cheap enough for regular in-home usage, especially since the project's lead, Dr. Adrian Bowyer, will be releasing his project's designs under the GNU GPL. It's previously been proposed that a similar system would be useful for space exploration and industrialization."

Comments

infinite amo cheat

[4_Minor_Drawbacks]

imagine if a newly duplicated item had some punch to it, and went really fast.

Obligatory Comment

[MontyCarlo]

I for one welcome our new self-replicating... Ah, screw it.

Just gettin' it out of the way

[noerobert]

I, for one, welcome our RepRap overlords.

Just to get this out of the way (again).

[noerobert]

I for one welcome our cliche producing overlords. sorry about the trip everyone.

Re:Obvious

[GeoGreg]

In Soviet Russia, replicator prototypes YOU! (Sorry, shoot me now)

Re:*eep*

[Akaihiryuu]

Hehe...so I guess I'm not the only one who thought "replicators" as soon as I read the article. I've actually pondered making a replicator um...replica out of an erector set or something. And I've pondered making a Goa'uld hand device replica (complete with LED's or something to make it glow), and a thing to Goa'uld-ify your voice. I don't know how I'd do the glowy eyes...but if I figure it out I know what I'm doing for the halloween contest at work this year. ;P

ValueRep

[Sammer105]

All I can think of is the ValueRep from System Shock 2, *horrible screech* *happy female voice* Thank you for choosing VaueRep! Brr. Chills.