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Open Source Self-Replicating Robot

Posted by Zonk on from the what's-not-to-like? dept.

Josilot writes "CNN.Com is running an article about a new self-replicating robot named RepRap. From the article: 'A revolutionary machine that can copy itself and manufacture everyday objects quickly and cheaply could transform industry in the developing world, according to its creator.' One part of the article that I think many slashdot readers will find interesting is near the bottom: 'To encourage that development, Bowyer plans to make the design of the RepRap available online and free to use, in the same way as open source software such as the Linux operating system or Mozilla's Firefox browser.' Is robotics the next big field for open source?"

16 of 194 comments (clear)

  1. can't wait by flashinglights · · Score: 2, Funny

    I want a box in my kitchen that makes synth-protein from scratch!!

    --
    "I had another dream the other day about music critics. They were small and rodent-like with padlocked ears..."
  2. RTFA by Rii · · Score: 5, Funny

    One part of the article that I think many slashdot readers will find interesting is near the bottom:
    New here, aren't you?

  3. Replicatiors by mazevedo · · Score: 3, Funny

    Have we contacted the Asgard? Smells like trouble to me!

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    mazevedo
  4. That's nothin... by Billy+the+Mountain · · Score: 2, Funny

    I've got a better open source self-replicating robot: Herpes virus.

    BTM

    --
    That was the turning point of my life--I went from negative zero to positive zero.
    1. Re:That's nothin... by Cruciform · · Score: 4, Funny

      open source, not open sores.

      yikes!

  5. It's not a dupe by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    It's a self-replicating story.

  6. hummm by Amouth · · Score: 2, Funny

    new toys .. more new toys .. wait that isn't a toy, why are they eating my house.. humm i don't think they like me

    --
    '...if only "Jumping to a Conclusion" was an event in the Olympics.'
  7. I'm dismayed by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny
    ...that the first step in my quest for world domination has been publicized on /.

    Bwah-hahahah!!!

  8. Good thing it's open source by SleepyHappyDoc · · Score: 5, Funny

    If it wasn't, would it's own existence violate the DMCA?

    --
    Stasis is death. Embrace change.
    1. Re:Good thing it's open source by FidelCatsro · · Score: 2, Funny

      or if one became a prostitute and started to sell itself for money and not release the vidios , it may violate its own OS license

      --
      The only things certain in war are Propaganda and Death. You can never be sure which is which though
    2. Re:Good thing it's open source by ciroknight · · Score: 2, Funny

      Okay, I have to question Slashdot Reader Sanity when I see this one. Lemme answer your question.

      NO.

      The DMCA protects copyrighted works; if anything this work is an invention and therefore subject to Patent law, but not copyright.

      --
      "Victory means exit strategy, and it's important for the President to explain to us what the exit strategy is." G.W.Bush
  9. Re: dupe! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Its not a dupe its "self replicating"

  10. iVampire by Doc+Ruby · · Score: 2, Funny

    At least they aren't powered by human blood.

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    --
    make install -not war

  11. Self-replicating my ass! by exp(pi*sqrt(163)) · · Score: 4, Funny

    It's about as self-replicating as a machine that connects to the web via its ethernet port, places an order for parts here, waits until the UPS web site says the parts have arrived and then emails its owner to tell it to assemble the parts sitting in the box on the front doormat.

    --
    Doesn't it make you feel good to know that our freedoms are protected by politicans, lawyers and journalists.
  12. Apple, welcome to RIAA's hell by Jeremi · · Score: 2, Funny

    Man, I can't wait to download the latest PowerMac G7 from Kazaa, 2 days before Apple releases it...

    --


    I don't care if it's 90,000 hectares. That lake was not my doing.
  13. Re:I question the efficiency by Jeremi · · Score: 4, Funny
    Generation 33 = One for everybody on Earth, plus about 10% overage.


    Generation 31 = robots use up the last of the available IPv4 addresses and turn on their masters, subjugating humanity and forcing it to adopt IPv6 at gunpoint.


    The horror!

    --


    I don't care if it's 90,000 hectares. That lake was not my doing.