Editing Self-replication (section)

==Mechanical self-replication==
{{Main|Self-replicating machine}}

An activity in the field of robots is the self-replication of machines. Since all robots (at least in modern times) have a fair number of the same features, a self-replicating robot (or possibly a hive of robots) would need to do the following:

*Obtain construction materials
*Manufacture new parts including its smallest parts and thinking apparatus
*Provide a consistent power source
*Program the new members
*Error correct any mistakes in the offspring

On a [[Nanotechnology|nano]] scale, [[Assembler (nanotechnology)|assemblers]] might also be designed to self-replicate under their own power. This, in turn, has given rise to the "[[grey goo]]" version of [[Armageddon]], as featured in the science fiction novels ''[[Bloom (novel)|Bloom]]'' and ''[[Prey (novel)|Prey]]''.

The [[Foresight Institute]] has published guidelines for researchers in mechanical self-replication.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://foresight.org/guidelines/ |title=Molecular Nanotechnology Guidelines |publisher=Foresight.org |access-date=2013-10-22}}</ref> The guidelines recommend that researchers use several specific techniques for preventing mechanical replicators from getting out of control, such as using a [[broadcast architecture]].

{{Crossreference|For a detailed article on mechanical reproduction as it relates to the industrial age, see [[mass production]].}}