Biomimetics Introduction

Represents the studies and imitation of the methods, mechanisms, and processes normally utilized by nature. The application of biological methods and systems found in nature to the study and design of engineering systems and technology “Taking ideas from nature” Biomimetics

Biomimetics Term “biomimetics” was first coined by Otto H. Schmitt AKA Bionics Biognosis Biomimicry Bionical creativity engineering Biomimetics

Biomimetics A highly multidisciplinary field Just imagine the fields it has applications: Material science Mechanical design Electronics and Communications Infrastructure Nanotechnology Psychology And many more! Biomimetics

Nature is superior still A lot. Really. Take heed, mankind Nature is superior still

Biomimicry has immensely expanded the collection of tools that are available to humans Biological designs are the result of millions of years of competition or survival They have survived the harsh tests of practicality and durability in a changing environment Why copy nature?

These biological “success stories” are consequently already optimized for use, with economical energy consumption and use of energy As a result, human technology can greatly benefit from mimicking these natural designs Why copy nature?

Inspiration, not imitation The idea is to adapt biological concepts into usable and applicable human technology To adapt means to make it even better To be inspired means to take the principle of the idea, not to blatantly copy it Inspiration, not imitation

Characteristics of a biomimetic concept Ability to operate in complex environments Adaptable to unplanned and unpredictable changes and perform multifunctional tasks Characteristics of a biomimetic concept

Early Biomimetics

Early Biomimetics Icarus of Greek mythology Man’s great ambition to fly through the heavens Early Biomimetics

Early Biomimetics

Early Biomimetics

Early Biomimetics

“If nature is the work of God, and if architectural forms are derived from nature, then the best way to honor God is to design buildings based on His work” Antoni Gaudi Catalan architect Early Biomimetics

Early Biomimetics The Sagrada Familia Designed by Antoni Gaudi in the early 20th century Early Biomimetics

Early Biomimetics

Gaudi utilized designs that he found in nature, notably ruled geometrical forms such as the hyperbolic paraboloid, the hyperboloid, the helicoid and the cone.  Gaudi found abundant examples of ruled surfaces in nature, for instance in rushes, reeds and bones He believed that there is no better structure than the trunk of a tree or a human skeleton. These forms are at the same time functional and aesthetic, and Gaudí discovered how to adapt the language of nature to the structural forms of architecture Early Biomimetics

Early Biomimetics Velcro Developed by Swiss engineer George de Mestral in 1941 Inspired by burr seeds clinging to the fur of his dog Early Biomimetics

Early Biomimetics

Biological Systems Agriculture Studying prairies and grasslands on how to grow food sustainably Prairies and grasslands are remarkably productive, resilient, self-enriching, and sustainable Biological Systems

Biological Systems Agriculture Modern human agricultural practices are very productive but also unsustainable. Using natural prairies as the model, it is aimed to emulate their longevity and apply it to agricultural systems Biological Systems

Biological Computation Models Artificial Intelligence Artificial intelligence emulates the operation of the brain It requires the scientific understanding of the mechanisms underlying thought and intelligent behavior Biological Computation Models

Biological Computation Models Artificial neural networks A mathematical model inspired by the structure or functional aspects of biological neural networks. Similar to artificial intelligence, but covers a more general field and has lots of applications. Biological Computation Models

Biologically Inspired Structures and Tools Infrastructure Several pioneers have used natural design principles found in natural structures and adapted them to human infrastructure Biologically Inspired Structures and Tools

Biologically Inspired Structures and Tools Infrastructure The human skeleton is a rich source of structural ideas due to its ability to carry moving loads. Such concepts have been incorporated into industrial ideas such as in the design of automotive structures and frameworks. Biologically Inspired Structures and Tools