Replicating robots

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In this Science Update, students explore how scientists have created simple robots that can make exact copies of themselves. Hod Lipson from Cornell University has created robots that can build exact copies of themselves from magnetic cubes. These robots would be useful for space missions because if they can rebuild themselves from a few spare parts, they could solve any problem quickly and cheaply. Science NetLinks provides a link to the audio file, a written transcript, and questions to engage students in discussion about the difference between replication and reproduction, how robotic cubes are like human cells, uses for self-replicating robots, and the value of research that proves a concept. This lesson also contains links to the project website and the Tech Museum of Innovation’s online exhibit devoted to robotics.