BIOMIMETICS
Design By Nature
So why is it better to have equipment based off designs in nature rather than just regular, conventional designs? Because conventional products are man-made; and therefore often have many flaws the builders and creators missed while inventing or making the product (for example, the Titanic). Evolution, however, forces systems in nature to perfect themselves, or at least make them extremely efficient.
Biomimetic Innovations
Despite the great effects Parker’s discoveries have had on modern engineering, his work is only a small part of the vast fields of biomimetics. Engineers from all over the world are researching new types of biomimetics, like using the flukes of humpback whales and the primary feathers of raptors to modify the wings of an airplane to have a smoother and safer flight, using termites to make buildings more comfortable, and mimicking mosquitos’ proboscises to create needles for less painful injections. Continue on to the next three pages for more details about these three biomimetic inventions.
There is a widespread need for biomimetic innovation. Humans are always looking for ways to have safer travel, less painful medical procedures, and more efficient and economical buildings. There is interest coming from the general public as well as manufacturing, the medical industry, designers, and engineers.
The image above shows a car modelled after a fish.
Below is an image of a bullet train modelled after a Kingfisher.
The image to the right shows how the iridescents in the wings of butterflies are modelled in the bright screens of cell phones.