Open Source Self-Replicating Robot 194
Josilot writes "CNN.Com is running an article about a new self-replicating robot named RepRap. From the article: 'A revolutionary machine that can copy itself and manufacture everyday objects quickly and cheaply could transform industry in the developing world, according to its creator.' One part of the article that I think many slashdot readers will find interesting is near the bottom: 'To encourage that development, Bowyer plans to make the design of the RepRap available online and free to use, in the same way as open source software such as the Linux operating system or Mozilla's Firefox browser.' Is robotics the next big field for open source?"
Vague Article (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:I question the efficiency (Score:1, Interesting)
Generation 1 = 1 Robot
Generation 2 = 2 Robots
Generation 3 = 4 Robots
Generation 4 = 8 Robots
Generation 101 = 1267650600228229401496703205376 robots
Re:Good thing it's open source (Score:3, Interesting)
However, IMHO, it will take some type of trusted computer system (open sourced I hope!! please! Please!!), to insure that an individual robot isn't lurking in your home with evil within its programming...
[I've been trying to get my homeBot to clean up the kitchen but those damm spybots and Trojan Virus have it wacked out going around in small circles in the bathroom (and have had it lock itself in!; glad we have more than one bathroom...]
Mechanical tolerance(Replicating Rapid Prototyper) (Score:2, Interesting)