Origin and fundamental concepts

In his work, von Neumann determines two essential characteristics supported by cellular automata: complex behaviors and self-reproduction. This takes von Neumann to raise two fundamental questions in cellular automata theory: How can we construct reliable components from nonreliable organisms?, and, What kind of logical organization is needed so that an automaton be able of self-reproduction?.

Figure 5: Synchronizing collisions among gliders

Both problems are complicated and represent extensive areas of study, this implies that we must try to synthesize these concepts as simple as possible. Finally we must relate these results with Rule 110. The cyclic tag system is a good example of constructing reliable components (each one of the devices constructed by Cook) from nonreliable organisms (gliders of Rule 110). For example, Figure 5 illustrates the construction named meta-glider, through the synchronization several collisions among several gliders.