ABSTRACT
Artificial organisms are logical automata which exhibit life-like processes. Automaton self-reproduction is of central importance. The precise mathematical study of automaton self-reproduction was initiated by John von Neumann and has been continued by Myhill, Laing, and others. Utilizing only the automaton mechanisms employed in the self-reproduction process, additional life-like processes such as (partial) self-repair can be demonstrated. Increasing capacity of machines autonomously to exhibit other lifelike and even human behaviors will raise difficult legal and ethical issues. Ultimately, sophisticated self-reproducing artificial organisms may take the physical form of general-product lunar factories.
