The Embryonics Project: a machine made of artificial cells

Area of Science:

• Biologically-inspired computing
• Developmental electronics
• Artificial life systems

Background:

• The concept of bio-inspired computing dates back to John von Neumann's work in the 1940s on self-replicating machines.
• Early electronic technology limited the physical realization of von Neumann's bio-inspired designs.
• Advancements in programmable circuits in the 1980s revitalized the field of bio-inspired machines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Embryonics (embryonic electronics) Project.
• To leverage ontogenetic processes from multicellular organisms for designing novel massively parallel processor arrays.
• To create 'artificial cells' that mimic biological growth and function.

Main Methods:

• Designing simple processors ('artificial cells') with identical hardware and an 'artificial genome'.
• Implementing differential genome execution based on spatial coordinates within the array.
• Utilizing programmable elements ('artificial molecules') for adaptable cell structures.

Main Results:

• Achieved self-replication and self-repair (cicatrization) capabilities within the artificial cells, mirroring biological organisms.
• Enabled adaptable cell structures through programmable elements.
• Demonstrated the potential for creating complex systems through parallel operation of simple processors.

Conclusions:

• The Embryonics Project successfully applies biological ontogeny to create advanced artificial cells.
• The developed artificial cells exhibit self-replication and self-repair, crucial for robust computing systems.
• This approach paves the way for highly complex, multicellular-like artificial systems.