[H-GEN] RepRapping in Brisbane!

[Arjen Lentz]

Hi Robert,

On 31/03/2008, at 3:29 AM, Robert Brockway wrote:
> On Sun, 30 Mar 2008, gavin duley wrote:
>>> On 30/03/2008, at 2:16 PM, Robert Brockway wrote:
>>>> This is the root of the problem: If we make something which can  
>>>> self
>>>> replicate exponetially then sooner or later it _will_ become a  
>>>> problem.
>>
>> That's why I'd be a bit unconfortable with the whole idea of doing  
>> that.
>
> The problem is there is quite a bit of active research in this  
> area.  It
> goes against my nature to declare "we shouldn't research this" but the
> research is proceeding apace without much discussion about the  
> dangers.
>
> Of course CERN are planning to make a micro-blackhole in Switzerland.
> While I don't think this is going to be particularly dangerous I do  
> think
> there should have been more public discussion.

Same with genetic modification of stuff, inclusion of nanotechnology  
in foods and products, and so on.
I like technology, but I understand enough of it to be seriously  
worried about all that.

Not sure I like the micro-blackhole either... conceptually yes, made  
on planet earth no.


> [Confirmation RepRap is not autonomously self-replicting snipped]
>
>> So not time to get paranoid yet, I guess. :-)
>
> Quite :)
>
> As noted RepRap can't self-replicate autonomously.  The term
> self-fabricate is probably more accurate as it still requires a  
> human to
> put the parts together AFAIK.  A self-fabricating machine that can  
> also
> build other things is a fabulous idea.

Yep.
The RepRap can be easily replicated, and it can manufacture some of  
its own parts.
No self-replication at all. And not even complete self-fabrication.
But that's not the objective of it.

> A true self-replicating robot is probably several decades away.
> Self-replicating robots which can replicate fast enough to be truly
> dangerous (say, self-replication in a week) might not appear for  
> years or
> even decades after that.  Sooner or later it will happen though.


I agree. But I do think it's important to not let this debate attach  
itself to the RepRap, as that could seriously hinder the good it will  
otherwise be able to do.


Cheers,
Arjen.
-- 
Arjen Lentz, Owner @ Open Query (http://openquery.com.au/)
Based in Brisbane, Australia - ph. +61-7-3103 0809
Open Source Experts, MySQL Specialists

Director of OSIA (http://osia.net.au/) Open Source Industry Australia
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