Abstract
The self-reproduction capability of machines can enhance manufacturing efficiency and contribute to reliability since it enables the machines to fabricate themselves in geometric progression while testing their functionality through the reproduction process. In addition, a part of the process can be utilized as a self-repair process. This paper discusses the method of its realization on the basis of machines composed of identical autonomus cells. The proposed concept includes the specialization of cells according to their positions, growing in size by capturing new cells, transferring genetic data to the new cell, and splitting into two independent halves after grown up. Experiments have demonstrated the self-reproduction of mobile machines each of which is composed of multiple cells connected one another in a row, one-dimensionally.
