Interesting brief overview of 7 possible interstellar Von-Neumann probe types and their functions.

I recently took a look at these visions and came up with a Von Neumann probe taxonomy. I came up with 7 basic spacecraft functions:

1. Exploration
2. Communication
3. Working
4. Colonization
5. Uplifting
6. Berserking
7. Policing

Given all this technological potential, one must wonder why we haven’t encountered any extraterrestrial probes. Why haven’t extraterrestrials communicated with us? Why haven’t we be uplifted....or destroyed?


He does seem to have omitted those intrusive 'anal probes', so much in favor in the UFO visitation community.