Animal Locomotion and Bio Inspired Design

Locomotion – How animals move. Most animals are capable of complex and rapid movement compared to other living things. Compare the locomotion of two different animals. Discuss similarities and differences.

Robert Full video Robert Full is a scientist who studies animals and the ways in which they move. He has worked as a consultant for many Disney/Pixar films like Bugs Life etc. to help them create realistic lifelike representations of animal movements. Video Begins with the question: What is a foot?

While watching consider the following. Is Robert Full a biologist, or a physicist? What are some biologically inspired designs shown in the video? Write at least one thing that made you say (or think – WOW!) Write at least one thing that you saw that made you look at the person next to you to see their reaction. Write at least one thing that you saw or heard that made you think. “I did not know that?”

After the video What are some applications of biologically inspired design shown in the video? How can a science like zoology help lead to new technology? What are some additional applications of bio inspired design that you can think of? Try to come up with your own biologically inspired design. What is it’s purpose? What animal or animals is it based upon?

How? Start with something interesting that an animal can do? Understand how it works? Look for applications or problems that can be solved. Look at how animals survive or solve problems. Look at mechanisms they use.