Von Neumann Machine
Named for Hungarian physicist John von Neumann who proposed this as a method for interstellar exploration, a Von Neumann Machine is a category of robot. What defines such a Robot as a Von Neumann machine that is is equipped to and programmed to gather and process raw materials and use them to build exact duplicates of itself, both physically and in programming. Said machines will attempt to replicate themselves exponentially, limited by the availability of raw material and energy.
Von Neumann Machines in science fiction
Von Neumann Machines are usually depicted as antagonists in science fiction. Von Neumann machines are by very nature compelled to consume everything they can for reasons of making additional Von Neumann machines, a fact which will inevitably bring them into conflict with other entities. Intelligent Von Neumann machines are particularly dangerous.
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