Living machines
|
|
The concept of living machines represents a particularly interesting variant on intelligent machines, and has mostly been associated with water treatment systems that make use of natural bioremediation processes such as wetlands to remove contaminants from sewage and other waste water sources.
The earliest living machines were developed and designed by John Todd [1] (http://www.enviroeducation.com/interviews/john-todd/) and Nancy Jack Todd [2] (http://www.context.org/ICLIB/IC42/Todd.htm) of Ocean Arks International [3] (http://www.oceanarks.org), beginning in the 1990s.
In Context
In Context [4] (http://www.context.org/ICLIB/icintro.htm) was one of the first magazines to publish articles on living machines, with articles as early as 1993 [5] (http://www.context.org/ICLIB/IC35/Guterson.htm), that have focused on the contribution of John and Nacy Jack Todd.
Living Machines, Inc.
Living Machines, Inc, [6] (http://www.livingmachines.com/) in Taos, New Mexico has registered Living Machines® as a trademark and is involved with the design, construction, and operation of innovative wastewater treatment facilities for communities, educational institutions, resorts, and industrial users.
Convergence of biology and technology
A more inclusive approach to living machines is offered in a February 2004 feature article on the subject in Wired Magazine (Issue 12-02) addressing the broader perspective that "Technology and biology are converging fast. The result will transform everything from engineering to art - and redefine life as we know it." [7] (http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/12.02/machines_pr.html)