Self Replicating Robot Challenge

Looks like somebody wants to set up an X-prize for making a "RepRap Von Neumann":

[herox.com]

Hi Gene Hacker, I'm the one who posted the challenge. I've found the responses really interesting. It's been a mixture of hilarious laughter from the existing robotics community, and amazingly innovative suggestions.

It was my hope to turn this into a conversation. To get recommendations and suggestions for what might make a serious challenge.

So, any recommendations?

Hi Fraser,

You should thoroughly research the Kartik M. Gada Humanitarian Innovation Prize. The relevant history is archived in this subforum and this wiki page. The subforum tracks activity related to the prize, from its conception in 2009 up until its eventual awarding in 2013.