A Step Closer to Grey Goo: The Future of Self-Replicating Probes
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Chapter 1: The Concept of Von Neumann Probes
Von Neumann probes, named after the renowned mathematician and physicist John Von Neumann, are theoretical self-replicating space probes designed for the colonization of the Milky Way galaxy. These probes venture into space, gather necessary materials, create copies of themselves, identify habitable planets, and continue their journey. Over time, older generations deteriorate while the newer ones thrive.
These probes are intended to explore and potentially colonize the Milky Way over spans of hundreds of thousands to millions of years. A crucial inquiry relating to the well-known Fermi Paradox is why older alien civilizations have not yet executed this plan—assuming faster-than-light travel is unattainable and we are not the first technological life in our galaxy.
The concept appears straightforward, yet its practical implementation is incredibly challenging. Fortunately—or perhaps unfortunately—the Center for Bits and Atoms at MIT has successfully developed the first self-replicating machine:
This machine is constructed from voxel parts, which can be thought of as the 3D equivalents of pixels (voxels are vital in virtual reality). Each voxel operates independently, possessing its own power and data, and they can communicate with one another. These voxels can be programmed to construct virtually anything from these components, including new versions of themselves. This is a critical aspect, as fans of dystopian science fiction are all too familiar with how such scenarios begin.
Section 1.1: The Rise of Grey Goo
This advancement represents a significant step toward a future where all life on Earth—including humans—could transform into a grey goo that consumes everything in its path. These voxels can be viewed as prototypes, with the potential to be miniaturized to an atomic scale through nanotechnology.
As is common in such narratives, these creations might either gain self-awareness or suffer a programming flaw that releases them into the environment, leading to a frenzy of replication that consumes the world around them. My own speculative fiction, which currently exists only in Greek, was inspired by this theme.
Subsection 1.1.1: My Fictional Journey
Published by a small Greek publisher in an anthology titled '???????', or 'Invasion', my short story explores such themes. I plan to translate or possibly rewrite it in English. Given that the other stories in the anthology remain in Greek, mine may become the first to reach an international audience.
I intend to submit it to a few science fiction magazines initially. If it's not accepted, I’ll share it on Medium, updating it with insights I've gained since its original writing.
Section 1.2: Current State of Technology
Am I concerned about MIT's innovation? Not at this moment. While the current version is harmless, I would be more cautious if they scale down significantly. At present, a model of this prototype could potentially lay the groundwork for an operational Von Neumann space probe.
If they can create a next-generation version capable of self-replication using raw materials instead of pre-made voxels—presumably difficult to locate in outer space—that would be a monumental advancement. I would prefer they launch it into space quickly to ensure Earth and its inhabitants remain intact—individually, of course.
Chapter 2: The Potential of Nanotechnology
As for nanotechnology, although its growth is rapid, it currently focuses on everyday applications, such as sunscreens and quantum dots for LCD screens. While these nanoparticles contribute to a multi-billion dollar industry, they lack the intelligence of true nanobots, or nanites.
The development of smart, programmable nanites is likely years or even decades away, with self-replicating variants taking even longer to materialize, if they ever do. However, MIT's achievements could potentially accelerate their progression.
Do you fear that advancements in nanotechnology might spiral out of control, possibly transforming the Earth's landmasses into a grey-silver, wriggling carpet? Or do you believe such scenarios are mere fabrications of a dystopian writer's imagination? Share your thoughts in the comments!
The second video, "GREY GOO HARD Campaign | Mission 16 TheHerald of Silence," delves into the implications of self-replicating technology and the future it may herald.
Sources:
- Flocks of assembler robots show potential for making larger structures | MIT News
- Near-term self-replicating probes — A concept design | ScienceDirect
- Nanobots — an overview | ScienceDirect
I also recommend this enlightening article by Denis Gorbunov, highlighting the troubling aspects of one of history's greatest inventors:
How One of The Greatest Inventors Was A Full-Blown Racist
A lesson from history.
