Nature plants a seed of engineering inspiration
Monday, April 24, 2017 - 15:11
in Earth & Climate
Researchers have quantitatively deconstructed what they describe as the 'ingenious mobility strategies' of seeds that self-burrow rotationally into soil. Seeds maneuvered to dig into soil using a coiled appendage, known as an awn, that responds to humidity. The team investigated this awn's burrowing and discovered how the nubile sprouts seem to mimic a drill to bury themselves. Their findings could have dramatic implications for improving agricultural robotics.