Biomimetics is the science that deals with ideas from engineering, chemistry, and biology which are used to produce other materials or devices that have functions similar to their environment and act accordingly. Any organic or artificial substance that communicates with a biological system in any way is referred to as a biomaterial. In tissue engineering and the drug industry, biomimetic designs may be used. Basically, in this field, people make technology or design by taking clues from the natural processes around us. The article contains the top 10 Advances in Biomimetic Design and Locomotion.
1. Flight
Leonardo da Vinci is considered to be the father of biomimicry. His beautiful paintings show how the natural environment can be a source of ideas for humans. He was fascinated by both art and science. He designed human ‘wings’ that he thought would flap similarly to a bird through the air after meticulously studying the flight design of birds. Although the actual functioning was inadequate for the purpose, it still represents one of the earliest instances of the use of biomimicry in invention and innovation.
2. The Eastgate Centre
Zimbabwean architect Mick Pearce created the Eastgate Centre in Harare, Zimbabwe, in 1996 and came up with a radical approach. The office and commercial complex has a shape that is similar to that of a termite mound. It is a great example of how nature can inspire design. This building also works as a termite mound having the same cooling system. They do this by opening and closing vents that are located at the top and bottom of the building.
3. Mimicking Aquatic Organisms In Engineering
Venus flower basket is a sea animal by which “The Gherkin” was modeled. It consists of a network of spikes that support this building. The building is positioned vertically, horizontally, and diagonally to create a cage-like structure. The outside structure of this building is very stable. The air is drawn in through vents and sent upward through the structure, reducing the need for air conditioning by half.
4. Velcro
Velcro is one of the more well-known applications of biomimicry. George de Mestral, a Swiss engineer, noticed that the burdock plant’s seeds adhered to both his socks and his dog. He looked closer and saw that the seed, called a “bur,” had tiny hooks that attached itself to soft hair or cloth. De Mestral was inspired by this so much that he created a useful product called “loops,” which consists of small, powerful hooks that cling to softer cloth. After which it is still used as Velcro in our homes and offices.
5. Bullet Train
As early high-speed trains in Japan went through tunnels, air pressure built up, causing sonic booms to be heard as they emerged. Locals were startled by these loud air blasts. The Technical department’s general manager, Eiji Nakatsu, was an avid bird watcher. Due to the form of their beaks, kingfishers scarcely produce a splash as they dive into the water to capture their food. After evaluating various “bullet” designs, the one that resembled the kingfisher’s beak the most was determined to be the most effective and useful.
6. Cement
A business, Calera, has come up with an interesting approach to cement manufacture, which is inefficient and energy-intensive. The creator of the company is an expert in biomineralization. He has studied various models for years and knows how they work. This method is used by Calera to create cement.
7. LEDs
We have invested a lot in the research and development of LED lighting technology over the past 20 years, creating one of the most complete portfolios of LED lighting systems and control IPs. The market for LED-based lighting products has developed and flourished since the mid-1990s. A groundbreaking idea from 10 or more years, ago could now appear apparent. However, all of these breakthroughs were created at the time, to deal with particular, challenging problems.
8. Bee Inspired
Various Buildings around us have been influenced by bee colonies for many years. The design seems to be loved by designers. And for a good reason, too, the hexagonal constructions are visually beautiful and sound structural. They offer high compression strength, and the constructed environment makes considerable use of this kind of space efficiency. It is used widely because of its key factors.
9. Wind Turbine Blades
Numerous turbines and other devices have been employed throughout history to harness the kinetic energy that the wind produces. The one with three blades revolving along a horizontal axis is the most common and widely used today—and the one Iberdrola picked. From a technical standpoint, this is the most effective choice since greater balance is achieved with fewer blades.
10. Spider Glass
It is a unique coating that was inspired by spider webs and was applied to the glass of the Lindisfarne observation tower in North East England in 2012. An Orb-weaver spider’s web, whose silk reflects UV rays and makes them visible to birds, causing the birds to stay away and not damage the web. It is very pleasing to the eyes and looks beautiful in person.
