June 12th, 2008Prototype Cloning Machine Demonstrated
Here’s another item from the ‘it was bound to happen sooner or later ‘files. Researchers at the University of Bath have just demonstrated a prototype of a machine that can replicate itself. Sci-Fi fans will be all too aware of the dangers and what this means to future generations; the Rise of the Machine surely can’t be far behind,…
For the moment at least, there doesn’t seem to be too much to fear from the RepRap (Replicating Rapid–Prototyper). Basically it is a three dimensional printer that creates objects by building up layers of molten plastic. This isn’t exactly new, and devices of this sort have been around for at least 25 years but what makes this one different I that it is capable of producing almost all of the parts needed to construct a replica of itself, which in turn can produce a replica of itself, and so on. Has technology gone a step too far, how long with it be before the robots take over, consider this a warning!
Tags: dimensional, machine, molten plastic, printer, prototype, replica, RepRap, research, robot, search, Tech, technology, University, university of bath
