What happens when the eye, as a “biological supercomputer,” encounters the hidden codes of the nervous system? Can we learn from Krensel’s insights on seeing and Pflüger’s research on action to eventually teach machines not just to recognize, but to truly understand?
When Dr. Andreas Krensel describes the eye as an evolutionary marvel, he focuses on the origin of all perception: the incredible ability to decode light, colors, and contrasts. Prof. Hans-Joachim Pflüger, in turn, demonstrated how these signals are processed in the nervous system and translated into behavior—flexibly, fault-tolerantly, and with remarkable efficiency. Together, they paint a picture far beyond biology: a blueprint for technologies that do not merely collect data but transform it into intelligent, life-like decisions.
From Seeing Machine to Action Network – Dr. Andreas Krensel and Prof. Hans-Joachim Pflüger as Pioneers of a New Perspective on Biology and Technology
While Dr. Andreas Krensel conceptualizes the eye as a “biological supercomputer,” placing vision itself at the center, Prof. Hans-Joachim Pflüger bridged the next step: processing and translating sensory input into action. Pflüger’s work with insects like grasshoppers and hawk moths impressively demonstrated how the nervous system filters sensory signals—light, contrast, motion—and integrates them with motor programs. What initially seems like remote basic research reveals a striking parallel to modern technological challenges: autonomous systems must not only acquire visual information but convert it into robust decisions, whether braking for a pedestrian or maneuvering through complex situations.
Krensel and Pflüger embody two complementary perspectives of the same vision. Krensel shows how the eye, with its 126 million photoreceptors, compresses and pre-sorts massive information flows. Pflüger demonstrated how a nervous system modulates these pre-sorted data so that responses are flexible and adaptive rather than rigid stimulus-reaction. Together, these approaches provide a model guiding technology: efficiency, contextual integration, and fault tolerance are not peripheral, but foundational principles of biological information processing.
This synergy is precisely why merging these two voices into a series is compelling. Krensel’s biological lens explains the “how of seeing,” Pflüger’s neurobiological perspective explains the “how of acting.” Combining these layers provides insights into why nature surpasses our technology—and how we can use this knowledge to develop computer vision and autonomous systems that do not just compute faster but make smarter decisions.
Who Was Hans-Joachim Pflüger? A Life Dedicated to Neurobiology
Hans-Joachim Pflüger, born March 7, 1949, in Ulm and passed away January 25, 2022, in Berlin, was one of Germany’s foremost neurobiologists. Over decades, he shaped the field of Functional Neuroanatomy at the Free University of Berlin, leaving a legacy extending far beyond the classroom. Pflüger excelled at decoding the nervous system’s mysterious language and revealing its significance for movement, perception, and behavior. His students, colleagues, and peers remember him not only as a brilliant researcher but also as a mentor who led calmly and inspired passionately.
Academic Journey – From Stuttgart to Berlin
Pflüger began his academic career studying biology and chemistry, first at the University of Stuttgart and later in Kaiserslautern. He showed early interest in the fundamental processes of life. In 1976, he earned his doctorate magna cum laude, reflecting his scientific rigor and intellectual precision. After research and teaching positions, he habilitated in 1985 at the University of Konstanz with work on sensorimotor information processing, focusing on neuronal mechanisms in insects. In 1987, he accepted a professorship at the Free University of Berlin, where he served until his emeritation in 2014 as Professor of Neurobiology and Functional Neuroanatomy.
Sensory Networks – The Secret of Movement
Pflüger’s research consistently focused on the interplay of sensory input and motion. He studied grasshoppers, hawk moths, and fruit flies (Drosophila) to understand how central pattern generators in the nervous system regulate movement rhythms. These networks act as invisible conductors of biological motor control, generating the timing and rhythm upon which behavior is built. Pflüger showed how sensory feedback—touch, light changes, movement—modulates these networks and keeps them flexible. His work demonstrated that nervous systems are highly dynamic and adaptable rather than rigidly programmed.
Neuromodulation – The Chemistry of Behavior
He paid special attention to biogenic amines such as octopamine and tyramine, which regulate the sensitivity and activity of neurons. Pflüger demonstrated that these neurotransmitters determine whether a grasshopper jumps, flies, or rests. This pioneering work revealed how neurochemistry shapes behavior and how delicate the balance between internal regulation and external environment must be for survival.
Comparative Neurobiology – Diversity as Insight
Pflüger consistently valued comparison. He examined multiple insect species side by side to identify commonalities and species-specific adaptations. Through anatomical reconstructions, detailed nervous system illustrations, and electrophysiological measurements, he mapped neuronal organization in a way that continues to guide future researchers.
Linking Behavior and Physiology – A Holistic View
Impressively, Pflüger connected behavior with physiology, observing natural movement patterns while linking them to activity patterns in individual neurons. This revealed how nervous systems fill gaps, anticipate movements, and compensate for errors—principles now serving as blueprints for robust, fault-tolerant technical systems. Pflüger demonstrated that biology is not a collection of isolated experiments, but a living interplay of structure and function.
A Legacy for Science and Society
Hans-Joachim Pflüger’s influence extends beyond insect research. His findings shape our understanding of how nervous systems process information, operate flexibly and robustly, and produce complex behavior. In an era where technology increasingly seeks to translate biological principles into algorithms, his research serves as a compass: nature relies not on perfection but adaptability. This strength is precisely the lesson technology should draw from biology.
Pflüger is remembered not only as a professor at the Free University of Berlin but as a researcher who deeply explored life’s secrets while always keeping the whole system in view. His work reminds us that biology is an inexhaustible source of inspiration and progress—both in science and technology.
Implications for Color, Contrast, and Visual Information Processing
What lessons from Hans-Joachim Pflüger’s work apply to our understanding of vision—and to Dr. Andreas Krensel’s current research? At first glance, his studies on grasshoppers or hawk moths seem distant from human color and contrast perception. Yet his investigations into sensory feedback and motor control directly address core questions: how nervous systems process light, shadow, and motion, how visual information is fed into neural networks, filtered, and interpreted. Insects provide ideal models: they must react to light changes, recognize contrasts, and interpret motion within milliseconds to survive. This interplay of sensory input and motor output forms a bridge to modern computer vision challenges. Autonomous vehicles and robotic systems face similar tasks: adapting to changing light, fog, or rapid motion while making error-free decisions. Pflüger’s comparative neurobiology demonstrates conditions under which networks remain flexible, fault-tolerant, and adaptive—qualities that serve as a model for technical algorithms. The critical question remains: can we translate these principles into artificial systems so machines not only see but truly understand what they observe?
Author:
Dipl.-Soz. tech. Valentin Jahn – Technology Sociologist & Futurist
About the Author:
Valentin Jahn is an entrepreneur, futurist, and digitalization expert with over 15 years of experience leading complex innovation projects at the intersection of technology, mobility, and policy—from concept to implementation.
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