Toward Physical Universal Constructors: Materials, Processes, Modules, and System

12:00 noon, October 20, Tuesday, 2009, ENGR 4201

Speaker

Matt Moses
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Johns Hopkins University

Abstract

More than 50 years ago the mathematician John von Neumann introduced the idea of a Universal Constructor - a machine that could build anything described to it, including copies of itself. Initially von Neumann investigated a physically realistic design, often called the "Kinematic Model", before abandoning it to focus on a more abstract formulation of the problem. Together with mathematician Stanislaw Ulam, von Neumann developed the concept of Cellular Automata (CA) as a mathematical tool for rigorous study of Universal Constructors. The CA model has seen a fair amount of success, and is currently an active area of study. Progress in Kinematic Universal Constructors has lagged behind, although the field has seen a resurgence in activity in recent years. This talk begins with a brief historical overview of Universal Constructors and Self-Replicating Machines. We then present some recent results from our lab: a network of materials and fabrication processes designed to facilitate self-replication, a set of universal electromechanical modules, and some larger scale system designs. The talk is concluded with a discussion of some open questions that may be of interest to those with a Computer Science background.

Short Bio

Matt Moses is currently a doctoral student in Professor Greg Chirikjian's lab at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University. Mr. Moses holds a M.S degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of New Mexico, and from 2001-2005 worked as an engineer for General Dynamics Robotic Systems in Westminster, Maryland. Mr. Moses's research interests include self-replicating and universal-constructing machines, biologically-inspired robotics, and dynamic running and locomotion in robot vehicles.