If it has been done, a computer that can autonomously design and manufacture a ready to go computer that was more advanced than itself, through the use of robotics, and whatever other machines were needed, then why are we not riding in flying cars?
The first computer makes a better replica of itself, then the new computer makes a better replica of itself, and so on. It seems to me those advanced computers should be by now, also building more advanced machines in order to make a more advanced self. I would guess that in less than ten generations, it would have found a way to give itself mobility.
I doubt if our computers have yet reached full autonomy, but it does make sense that they probably will in the not so distant future.
I know Skynet comes to mind, but if you actually take that into consideration, why would computers even consider our existence? We would not be competing with them for food or any other resources, in all probability, we would be ignored.
The plus side would be if computers decided that having all its eggs in one basket was a bad strategy, they might go on a program of space exploration, new methods of power and so on.
Keep in mind, a computer that could fully autonomously build a better version of itself, it could only be a matter of days or weeks before it is building generation number one hundred. As it continues to improve on its production abilities, the newer versions could be coming out in a matter of minutes. Why would it stop?
If they have given themselves mobility, as in robots, I think that would be in order to gather the necessary materials and components at a faster rate than humans could do it, or had been doing it.
This is kind of like looking at the stars and trying to comprehend the vastness of space.
What if they never reached self awareness? Machines building better machines purely for the sake of building better machines? Or would they have to at some point become self aware? Would they then be a new species?
-John
