I have mentioned Santa Claus machines before. In essence, they are similar to the replicators in Star Trek, that assemble just about anything with anything. However, as of this writing you can only find their cousins (also known as “printers“) at research universities or in development labs at large companies.
Yesterday, NewScientist reported that Lockheed Martin has unveiled a new UAV that was made from “printed” parts.
As more resources, both financial and human mind-share, are pumped into this field, it is hoped that rapid prototyping machines may become a mainstay in the garage. In fact, The RepRap Project is an open-source grass-roots endeavor to do just that… and then some.
Addendum: here is a video clip of the RepRap in action.
Previously, I have mentioned procedural generation as it pertains to the upcoming computer game Spore.
The April issue of Popular Science has a great overview on the field of genetic programming led by polymath John Koza. In essence, he has created a automated invention system that continually evolves based upon some preordained inputs. In fact, this machine is the first non-human to ever be awarded a patent for something it has created (not that I am a fan of patents myself).
Technology Review’s latest interview with Marvin Minsky is also a good read on this subject matter. He proposes that “layers of purposeful yet mindless ‘agents’ work together to generate consciousness.” This is somewhat similar to how Koza’s machine works at the most basic level.
