Self-organisation and motion in plants

Abstract

Self-organisation appeals to humans because difficult and repeated actions can be avoided through automation via bottom-up nonhierarchical processes. This is in contrast to the top-level controlled action strategy normally applied in automated products and in manufacturing. There are many situations where it is required that objects perform an action dependent on external stimuli. An example is automatic window blinds that open or closes in response to sunlight level. However, simpler and more robust designs could be made using the self-organising principles for movement found in many plants. Plants move to adapt to external conditions, e.g. sun-flower buds tracking the sun, touch-me-not Mimosa and Venus fly trap responding to mechanical stimuli by closing leaves to protect them and capture insects respectively. This paper describes 3 of the basic biomimetic principles used by plants to track the sun; i) light causing an inhibiting effect on the illuminated side causing it to bend, ii) light inducing a signal from the illuminated side that causes an action on the darker side and iii) light illuminating a number of sensing plates pointing upwards at an angle activate an expansion on the same side. A concept for mimicking the second principle is presented. It is a very simple and possible reliable self-organising structure that aligns a plate perpendicular to the source of illumination.

Fast nastic motion of plants and bioinspired structures

“…These shape changing structures, driven by multi-layer cellular pressure actuation, have potential applications in aerospace engineering, automobile engineering, architectural design, etc. Moreover, Freeman [101,102] Recently, Lenau and Hesselberg [103] studied the self-organization principles demonstrated in stimulated motion plants. They divided the plant motions into three categories (according to the purpose): dispersal of spores, pollen, or seeds (e.g., sphagnum mosses); obtainment of nutrients (e.g., carnivorous plants such as Dionaea); and protection of vital organs or obtainment of optimal light and temperature conditions (e.g.…”

“…The mechanical principles demonstrated by moving plants also have potential application in systems engineering. Recently, Lenau & Hesselberg [103] studied the self-organization principles demonstrated in stimulated motion plants. They divided the plant motions into three categories (according to the purpose): dispersal of spores, pollen or seeds (e.g.…”

“…Recently, Lenau and Hesselberg [103] studied the self-organization principles demonstrated in stimulated motion plants. They divided the plant motions into three categories (according to the purpose): dispersal of spores, pollen, or seeds (e.g., sphagnum mosses); obtainment of nutrients (e.g., carnivorous plants such as Dionaea); and protection of vital organs or obtainment of optimal light and temperature conditions (e.g.…”