Self-replicating probes are sometimes referred to as von Neumann probes. Self-replicating spacecraft would in some ways either mimic or echo the features of living organisms or viruses.

May 25, 2017 · Simply put, a Von Neumann probe is a self-replicating device that could, one day, be used to explore every facet of the Milky Way in a relatively small window of time.

Nov 29, 2025 · A deep dive into the von Neumann probe concept. Learn about the AI, ethics, and existential risks of self-replicating spacecraft, and why we need policy now

The concept of self-replicating spacecraft, as envisioned by mathematician John von Neumann, has been described by futurists and has been discussed across a wide breadth of hard science fiction …

Feb 28, 2022 · A Von Neumann probe is a self-reproducing intelligent device with interstellar capabilities. A space-faring civilization could conceivably use such constructs to occupy much or all …

Nov 15, 2025 · The von Neumann probe is a hypothetical spacecraft designed to explore the Galaxy. It must be capable of exploring a star system, have a complete set of equipment for extracting …

Jun 2, 2025 · These self-replicating machines are called Von Neumann probes, named after mathematician John von Neumann, who studied self-replicating systems.

Conceptually, the Von Neumann probe is a very simple device (Tipler, 1994). It is a self-sufficient spacecraft endowed with sufficient intelligence to cross from the planetary system of the civilization …

The von Neumann probe [7] is one theoretical example of such a machine. Von Neumann also worked on what he called the universal constructor, a self-replicating machine that would be able to evolve …

May 21, 2024 · A von Neumann probe is a hypothetical spacefaring probe designed to self-replicate using raw materials found in any star system. The probe is named after John von Neumann, a …