Blobotics

Blobotics is a term describing research into chemical based computer processors based on ions rather than electrons. Andrew Adamatzky, a computer scientist at the University of the West of England in Bristol used the term in an article in New Scientist March 28 2005 [http://www.newscientist.com/channel/fundamentals/mg18524921.000-introducing-the-glooper-computer.html] .

The aim is to create 'liquid logic gates' which would be 'infinitely reconfigurable and self-healing'. The process relies on the Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction, a repeating cycle of three separate sets of reactions. Such a processor could form the basis of a robot which, using artificial sensors, interact with its surroundings in a way which mimics living creatures.

The coining of the term was featured by ABC radio in Australia [http://www.abc.net.au/newsradio/txt/s1363466.htm] .

References

* Motoike I., Adamatzky A. "Three-valued logic gates in reaction-diffusion excitable media." "Chaos, Solitons & Fractals" 24 (2005) 107-114
* Adamatzky, A. "Collision-based computing in Belousov–Zhabotinsky medium." "Chaos, Solitons & Fractals" 21:(5), (2004), p1259-1264 DOI:10.1016/j.chaos.2003.12.068

External links

* [http://uncomp.uwe.ac.uk/adamatzky/index.html Andy Adamatzky] Homepage at the University of the West of England, Bristol