1. Biomimetics
Introduction

2. 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

3. Biomimetics Term “biomimetics” was first coined by Otto H. Schmitt AKA
Bionics
Biognosis
Biomimicry
Bionical creativity engineering
Biomimetics

4. Biomimetics A highly multidisciplinary field
Just imagine the fields it has applications:
Material science
Mechanical design
Electronics and Communications
Infrastructure
Nanotechnology
Psychology
And many more!
Biomimetics

5. Nature is superior still
A lot. Really.
Take heed, mankind
Nature is superior still

6. 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?

7. 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?

8. Inspiration, not imitation
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

9. Characteristics of a biomimetic concept
Ability to operate in complex environments
Adaptable to unplanned and unpredictable changes and perform multifunctional tasks
Characteristics of a biomimetic concept

10. Early Biomimetics

11. Early Biomimetics Icarus of Greek mythology
Man’s great ambition to fly through the heavens
Early Biomimetics

12. Early Biomimetics

13. Early Biomimetics

14. Early Biomimetics

15. “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

16. Early Biomimetics The Sagrada Familia
Designed by Antoni Gaudi in the early 20th century
Early Biomimetics

17. Early Biomimetics

18. 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

19. 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

20. Early Biomimetics

22. Biological Systems Agriculture
Studying prairies and grasslands on how to grow food sustainably
Prairies and grasslands are remarkably productive, resilient, self-enriching, and sustainable
Biological Systems

23. 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

24. Biological Computation Models
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

25. 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

26. Biologically Inspired Structures and Tools
Infrastructure
Several pioneers have used natural design principles found in natural structures and adapted them to human infrastructure
Biologically Inspired Structures and Tools

27. 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