Morphogenetic Engineering is a field of research that explores the modeling and building of “self-architecturing” systems and focuses on the programmability and controllability of self-assembling agents. The field models self-organization in biological systems with a view to export their self-formation capabilities to engineered systems.
Biological systems which have particularly strong morphogenetic properties are embryogenesisembryogenesis and swarm collaboration in insect colonies. Embryogenesis demonstrates decentralized choreography for self-assembly of complex anatomy. Nest building insects such as termites, ants and wasps collectively build complicated structures using local coordination rules rather than following an overall blueprint.