Biomimicry
Biomimicry is the science of studying functional systems in nature and implementing or borrowing these features for human technology. Biomimicry can aid in the solving of new design problems or in the optimization of current technologies. Since natural systems are highly optimized for their purposes/functionality due to the constraint of survivability, it makes sense for human engineers to seek design hints from pre-existing natural solutions.
Biomimicry is the intentional imitation of natural design. In some cases, human engineers have made inventions independently of nature, and only in retrospect have we realized the similarities in design solutions. A well-cited example of this phenomenon is the similarity between certain bacterial flagellum and the outboard rotary motor. Both systems use very similar techniques for achieving the same functional effect, but this is coincidental and not an example of biomimicry. Designing a molecular motor to deal with molecular dynamics by copying the bacterial flagellum, however, would be an example of biomimicry.
Examples of biomimicry include:
1. Identifying and implementing the technology that a leaf uses to harness energy
2. Making stronger, more elastic materials like the web of a spider
3. Designing miniaturized flying devices as found in millions of insects
4. Barbs on weed seeds as the inspiration for Velcro
5. Looking to the Rhinoceros horn to develop self-healing material that is both compressively and laterally strong
6. Implementing computer systems after the neural networks in our brains
Web Resources On Biomimicry
Biomimicry
Biomimicry TV Special
Book Resources On BiomimicryBiomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature by Janine M. Benyus
Ecological Design by Sim Van Der Ryn
Biomimicry for Optimization, Control, and Automation by Kevin M. Passino
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