# Towards a Self-Replicating Turing Machine

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2306.16872 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2306.16872/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 0 of its 15 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 29 Jun 2023.

## Built on by (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [Self-folding Self-replication](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2408.07154/) (2024)
- [Self-Replicating Mechanical Universal Turing Machine](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2409.19037/) (2024)

## Abstract (arXiv)

We provide partial implementations of von Neumann's universal constructor and universal copier, starting out with three types of simple building blocks using minimal assumptions. Using the same principles, we also construct Turing machines. Combining both, we arrive at a proposal for a self-replicating Turing machine. Our construction allows for mutations if desired, and we give a simple description language.