Workplace Construction: A Theoretical Model of Robust Self-Replication in Kinematic Universe

Abstract: To create an artificial system that demonstrates robust self-replication and evolution in the real physical world is among the grand challenges in artificial life [1]. This question was initiated by von Neumann's theoretical work of self-replicating and evolving automata [2,3]. However, von Neumann's automaton, and all the succeeding models after it, have never been subject to physical implementation until today [4]. The most crucial issue obstructing this challenge is the fragility of the self-replication mechanisms against physical perturbations. As a possible solution for this problem, I present a simple theoretical model to enhance the robustness of the self-replication processes, by introducing an additional subsystem that constructs a “workplace ” prior to automaton construction [5]. Workplaces are assumed to be solid structures that can be easily assembled under perturbations and can rigidly hold other components during the construction processes. In this paper, the key ideas of this model are shown using von Neumann’s formulations and graphical illustrations