# Seed Factories/IPStarter Set

The following proposed starter set has emerged from the Conceptual Design Study in progress, and whose notes make up section 9.0 of this book. It should be able to produce a reasonably high percentage of its own parts. With sufficient programming it should also run with low levels of human labor. All the elements in the starter set appear to be within current technology, although some custom design and software will be needed. The study is still in progress, so the list of starter elements may change. Despite this, we think it is worth describing the current concepts so that others can comment and improve on it.

## (1) Modular Robotics

This includes a combination of vehicle and manipulation elements to provide physical motion. The motion is produced by electric motors or hydraulics. The vehicle elements function like a farm tractor, performing a variety of functions by the use of different attachments. The robotic elements include cameras, computers, robotic arms, and end tools to manipulate objects. The design is envisioned as modular, with a frame, drive system (wheels, tracks, or legs), power system, and multiple attachment locations. One attachment would be a "manual control module", for times when a human needs to operate the vehicle directly. This can happen when a unique task is not worth programming to be automated, or human senses can respond better to unexpected conditions. Repetitive operations, like transporting rocks from a quarry pit, can be automated.

## (2) Solar Furnace

Many tasks require heat, and a solar furnace generates heat without consuming external electricity or fuels. This is envisioned as a collection of small mirrors that are mounted on a polar primary axis to follow the Sun's daily motion, and a seasonal tilt adjustment. The mirrors are arranged as either a flat Fresnel array or a paraboloid section to bring the sunlight to a focus. A secondary convex mirror above the primary mirror array directs the light back down to the polar axis. The focus therefore stays fixed as the Sun moves, making it easier to use the concentrated light, and having it at a more convenient working height. Different targets are placed at the focus depending on the task at hand.

## (3) Bridge Mill

This is designed as a fixed-post bridge which moves in the vertical (Z) axis, and sliding table on rails in the horizontal (X) axis that moves under the bridge. The bridge itself has 4 mounts which move crosswise (Y), two on the front face and two on the back face. On each face, one mount starts from the left and the other from the right side. Each mount has its own lead screw, so they can move independently. Different heads for machining, 3D printing, plasma or laser cutting, spray painting, or other tasks attach to each mount as needed, and the different heads can swap bits or get refills as needed at the end positions, which extend past the posts beyond the work area. The table can accept pallets with additional motion axes, and the various heads can also include extra axes. For jobs like plasma cutting or painting, the pallet includes protection for the surroundings.

## (6) Process Plant

To make copies of the machines, or new ones not in the original set, various materials are required. Some of the materials can be produced using the solar furnace, the ones requiring high temperatures. But other materials require a series of physical or chemical reactions or operations. This "machine" consists of a variety of units that each perform simple chemical processes. They can be connected in a flexible, modular way to perform more complex processes according to a programmed "recipe". This is in contrast to most commercial plants, which are designed to carry out a single process on a mass scale using equipment installed permanently. The same types of basic units will need to be built in different materials (glass, stainless steel, etc.) for chemical compatibility and different temperature and pressure ranges.

## (8) Building and Support Equipment

All the major equipment listed previously needs protection from the weather at least occasionally. In addition, housing for the control computers and a design area, a firm foundation, and utilities and lighting are needed. Beyond the main machine, chemical, and electrical areas, there is a need for storage, secondary machines for measuring, grinding, and sharpening, and portable and hand tools. This element of the factory includes the building itself, plus the supporting equipment listed, areas for assembly, aisles for transport and access, etc.