- SKDB (Structured Knowledge Database) is being architected as a git-distributed, modular repository that unifies mechanical hardware and biological parts (e.g., gears vs. BioBricks) under a single YAML-based schema, with early data scraped from MatWeb and lab notebooks.

- A major open problem is how to encode multi-domain interfaces—geometric, chemical, electrical, and force-based—so that automated design tools can reason about real-world interactions such as bolt looseness, bonded joints, or cold-welding in vacuum; existing ISO fit classes and GD&T are considered too limited.

- The project explores layered abstraction: each fabrication step (from parametric gear generator to G-code for a hobbing machine) can be treated as a black box by higher-level optimizers, raising the question of how much detail to store versus regenerate on demand.

- Participants are prototyping graph-rewriting rules (LHS → RHS subgraph substitutions) to deterministically traverse large design spaces without relying on genetic algorithms, while allowing users to blacklist or favor specific rules to balance exploration and exploitation.

- Replicating precision components like CCDs or 3-D vision sensors in a self-replicating system was examined, including a quick walk-through of semiconductor fab steps (photolithography, ion implantation, stepper alignment).

- Key resources shared include Drew Endy’s March 2006 synthetic-biology slides, the KSRM section on automated design and planning at molecularassembler.com, the Framsticks evolutionary simulator, and open-source hardware repositories at adciv.org, oscomak.net, and p2pfoundation.net.

- A 300 GB curated file archive is maintained on a private server, with accounts offered to channel members to accelerate collaborative development.