Self-folding Self-replication

TL;DR

This paper presents a novel approach to constructing 3D self-replicating machines from 1D chains of simple blocks, inspired by protein folding, with significant simplifications and efficiency improvements.

Contribution

It introduces new folding blocks enabling complex structures and a universal self-replicating mechanism, advancing the design of self-replicating systems from simple components.

Findings

Reduced machine size by a factor of five using rotational degrees of freedom

Developed a universal copier-constructor with about 40 blocks

Outlined evolutionary steps towards advanced self-replicating systems

Abstract

Inspired by protein folding, we explored the construction of three-dimensional structures and machines from one-dimensional chains of simple building blocks. This approach not only allows us to recreate the self-replication mechanism introduced earlier, but also significantly simplifies the process. We introduced a new set of folding blocks that facilitate the formation of secondary structures such as {\alpha}-helices and \b{eta}-sheets, as well as more advanced tertiary and quaternary structures, including self-replicating machines. The introduction of rotational degrees of freedom leads to a reduced variety of blocks and, most importantly, reduces the overall size of the machines by a factor of five. In addition, we present a universal copier-constructor, a highly efficient self-replicating mechanism composed of approximately 40 blocks, including the restictions posed on it. The paper also addresses evolutionary considerations, outlining several steps on the evolutionary ladder towards more sophisticated self-replicating systems. Finally, this study offers a clear rationale for nature's preference for one-dimensional chains in constructing three-dimensional structures.