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ComputerDoctor randomly hit the keyboard and managed to write on 21/12/2003 23:46:

| Ben Bova wrote:
| " We are nearing the point where we can produce machines that are
| intelligent, and can reproduce themselves endlessly. Perhaps it is
| intelligent machines who will inherit the universe. "
|
| Does anyone have any idea what he is talking about here?
| I presume the intelligent machines are our computers.

Nanobots.

| The MTBF of these machines is pathetically short,
| and the software needs such careful tending that I can make a living at it
| :-)

At this stage of development the nanobots will be able to analyse/re-program
themselves.

| Are the computers going to dig up their own silicon, etc etc ?
| Will the oil last long enough to inherit the universe?

Sand. Also if they are in space... lots of raw material.

| IMHO we have reached peak world oil production, and from here on the price
| of fuel can only increase rapidly (like it did in USSR before the collapse),
| making international trade and our whole 'intelligent' way of life
| impossible, including our intelligent machines.

Whereas if you create true *Minds* as in Ian 'M' Banks novels they will be able
to solve all our problems.

Richard
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