Enable multiple simultaneous offspring in von Neumann-style self-reproduction

Extend the von Neumann universal-constructor self-reproduction system described in Theory of Self-Reproducing Automata so that a single reproduction event yields multiple simultaneously active offspring, by specifying multiple descendants (e.g., two offspring) in the instruction tape.

Background

The paper revisits von Neumann’s universal-constructor framework for self-reproduction and sets out a concrete agenda to advance it toward richer evolutionary dynamics by proposing explicit open problems. One such advance is to allow reproduction events to generate more than one active descendant, departing from the canonical single-offspring design.

Achieving multiple simultaneously active offspring within the original universal-constructor architecture would test and extend its capacities for coordination, resource allocation, and lineage proliferation, and is a direct step toward more realistic population processes within cellular automata.