Von Neumann Probes
Von Neumann Probes are hypothetical self-replicating spacecraft designed to explore the universe. Named after mathematician John von Neumann, these probes would use available resources on planets or asteroids to create copies of themselves, allowing them to travel to new locations and continue their exploration.
The concept suggests that a single probe could potentially populate the galaxy over time, sending out replicas to different star systems. This idea raises questions about the implications of such technology, including the potential for interstellar colonization and the ethical considerations of creating autonomous machines that could operate independently in space.