Self-Assembler

A specific type of assembler that makes use of self-assembly such that the assembly process would theoretically not require external energy or information input. In a self-assembler, the choice of starting materials (input) determines the assembly and is always of higher energy than the product (output).

Related Words

Assembler

Self-Assembly

Directed-Assembler

Self-Replication

Used in Context

The Self-Assembler

Are you a
Self-Assembler?

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Note: This term has been used in the past to refer to an assembler that "assembles copies of itself" meaning it self-replicates (see defnition of self-replication). However, self-assembly is far more important to the assembly of atomically precise devices than is self-replication. Thus, I refer to such a still theoretical device that might assemble copies of itself as a self-replicating assembler.

Acknowledgement: Thank you Chris Phoenix for the relevant discussion.