Self Replicating Robots

Cornell University have created small robots that can build copies of themselves, demonstrating that simple, mechanical self-reproduction is not unique to biology.

Each robot consists of several 4-inch cubes with identical machinery, software, and electromagnets. They duplicate by bending over and putting their top cube on the table; bend again, pick up another cube and put it on the first, then repeat until the robot has created a four-module replica in 2.5 minutes.

The development team hopes their design principles could make long-term, self-repairing robots that could mend themselves in hazardous situations and space flights.

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