A replicative assembly methodology may be based on assembly stations, each with two degrees of rotational freedom. These stations share translational degrees of freedom in the three Cartesian axes by using a common translating mechanism. The methodology provides replication of the assembly stations, but due to the common translating mechanism and control systems, it cannot be termed self-replicating. The term 'exponential assembly' is proposed to differentiate this from self-replication. The exponential assembly architecture can use parts made from many manufacturing methods, provided that parts of considerable complexity can be produced. Because integrated circuit manufacturing methods used for micro-electromechanical systems allow large numbers of complex components to be produced, it is one possible method for pursuing such an approach to manufacturing. The methodology is scalable and therefore useful for producing assembly stations which might in turn produce other devices at ever-decreasing length scales as part of a top-down approach to nanotechnology.
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