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Aping Biology, Computer Guides Automated Evolution of a Robot
For the first time, computer scientists have created a robot that designs and builds other robots, almost entirely without human help.

In the short run, this advance could lead to a new industry of inexpensive robots customized for specific tasks. In the long run -- decades at least -- robots may one day be truly regarded as "artificial life," able to reproduce and evolve, building improved versions of themselves.

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