Autosomos

Autosomos is a term used primarily in speculative biology and science fiction to denote a class of autonomous, self-maintaining systems that can operate independently and, in some formulations, assemble or repair their own bodies from available materials. The word combines auto- (self) and soma (body), signaling an emphasis on a self-contained organism or machine with its own functional body.

Definition and usage vary by author. In some contexts, autosomos refers to modular life-like entities composed of detachable units that can reconfigure into different forms to suit environmental conditions. In others, it denotes self-contained robotic or nanotechnological constructs capable of energy harvesting, self-repair, and limited self-replication. Because autosomos is not a standardized scientific term, its meanings are not fixed across literature and are often contrasted with related ideas such as autopoiesis (self-production of a living system) or concepts in genetics that use the term autosome.

Key characteristics attributed to autosomos include autonomy, modularity, resilience, environmental adaptability, and energy self-sufficiency. In fiction, autosomos often serves as a narrative device to explore questions about identity, agency, and the ethics of creating autonomous life or machines.

Etymology derives from Latin and Greek roots meaning self and body. See also: autosomes, autopoiesis, autonomy, self-replication.