Bio-inspired emergent construction

The huge termite mounds of Macrotermitinae are a perfect example of the emergence of vastly complex structures through the principles of self-organisation. Previous models of this construction behaviour have been somewhat lacking when describing individual responses and in modelling physical constraints. Here we present a simple 3D individual-based stimulus-response model, focusing on construction of the royal chamber and trail galleries. We show how simple response-threshold functions can be combined with pheromone templates and stigmergic mechanisms to mirror experimental work and provide an explanation for behavioural patterns.