AutoProduction
ThoughtStorms Wiki
EricDrexler's alternative to self-reproduction : http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/3788673.stm
These systems would be exponential, in which one machine makes another machine, both of which then make two more machines, so that the number of duplicates increases in the pattern 1, 2, 4, 8 and so on until a limit is reached.
But simplicity and efficiency will favour those devices that are directed by a stream of instructions from an external computer, argue Drexler and Phoenix. They call this controlled process "autoproduction" to distinguish it from self-replication.
Reminds me of the way ChristopherAlexander thought PatternLanguages would be the co-ordinating inner code for various kinds of autonomous automatic growth of OrganicArchitecture. (Needed TimelessWayOfBuilding reference)
Backlinks (2 items)