Download 12. Biomimetics

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
• Term “biomimetics” was first coined by Otto
H. Schmitt
• AKA
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Bionics
Biognosis
Biomimicry
Bionical creativity engineering
Biomimetics
• A highly multidisciplinary field
• Just imagine the fields it has applications:
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Material science
Mechanical design
Electronics and Communications
Infrastructure
Nanotechnology
Psychology
And many more!
Biomimetics
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?
• 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
• Ability to operate in
complex environments
• Adaptable to unplanned
and unpredictable changes
and perform
multifunctional tasks
Characteristics of a biomimetic concept
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
• 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
• 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
Agriculture
• Studying prairies and
grasslands on how to
grow food sustainably
• Prairies and
grasslands are
remarkably
productive, resilient,
self-enriching, and
sustainable
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
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
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
Infrastructure
• Several pioneers
have used natural
design principles
found in natural
structures and
adapted them to
human
infrastructure
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