Slashdot Mirror
Open Source Self-Replicating Robot
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?"
One part of the article that I think many slashdot readers will find interesting is near the bottom:
New here, aren't you?
If it wasn't, would it's own existence violate the DMCA?
Stasis is death. Embrace change.
We've had 3D printers for quite a while now which basically form shapes by laying down a thin layer of sand-like or metallic powder, followed by a thin layer of glue, etc. You then use compressed air to blow away the sand layers which don't have glue and voila... a 3D shape and quite sturdy. You can make some parts which are impossible using other methods.
However, I missed the part in the press release, er... story where they are self-assembling. Sure, you can have a machine feed in a design and print something out, but what about assembly? Yes it can print circuits, but does this thing add motors, insert batteries, or plug its power into the wall? And will it feed the newly created copy with the source of materials, etc. it needs to make another copy? Let me know when we get a machine which can create an copy of itself and, without any human intervention, that just-created copy makes another copy.
Want to improve your Karma? Instead of "Post Anonymously", try the "Post Humously" option.
open source, not open sores.
yikes!
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.
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.