biomimetic
Copying nature's solutions
Biomimetic describes designs, materials, or processes that imitate nature.
Engineers study how geckos climb walls to create better adhesives; architects model ventilation systems on termite mounds.
The approach assumes evolution has already solved many engineering problems: biomimetic robotics, biomimetic architecture.
The noun is biomimicry.
Climbing lizard with toe pads
- lotusSacred aquatic flower
- sharkskinIridescent woven suiting fabric
- velcroFabric fastener using hooks
- adhesionState of clinging fast
hydrophobic · self-healing · structural · metamaterials · robotics · prosthetics · sensors · actuators
Influenced by the environment
- bioinspirationDesign modeled on nature
- formShape or document
- functionPurpose or duty
- patternRecurring arrangement or template
spiral · branching · tessellation · fractal · morphology · optimization · efficiency · elegance
Iridescent shell coating
- boneHard skeletal tissue
- chitinArthropod shell polymer
- keratinStructural hair protein
- collagenStructural body protein
cellulose · self-assembly · biodegradable · lightweight · flexible · porous · layered · hierarchical
Capable of restoration
- regenerativeAble to renew itself
- closed-loopSystem with feedback control
- biodegradableAble to decompose naturally
- non-toxicCauses no harm
carbon-neutral · circular · symbiosis · resilience · restoration · cradle-to-cradle
Light-to-sugar conversion in plants
- thermoregulationMaintaining stable internal heat
- homeostasisBiological internal stability maintenance
- echolocationNavigation through reflected sound
- bioluminescenceOrganism-generated light emission
gecko
Climbing lizard with toe pads
adhesion · hydrophobic · self-healing · structural · metamaterials · robotics · prosthetics · sensors · actuators · antifouling
nature-inspired
Influenced by the environment
- bioinspirationDesign modeled on nature
- formShape or document
- functionPurpose or duty
pattern · spiral · branching · tessellation · fractal · morphology · optimization · efficiency · elegance · imitation
nacre
Iridescent shell coating
collagen · cellulose · self-assembly · biodegradable · lightweight · flexible · porous · layered · hierarchical · tough
renewable
Capable of restoration
- regenerativeAble to renew itself
- closed-loopSystem with feedback control
- biodegradableAble to decompose naturally
non-toxic · carbon-neutral · circular · symbiosis · resilience · restoration · cradle-to-cradle
photosynthesis
Light-to-sugar conversion in plants
- thermoregulationMaintaining stable internal heat
- homeostasisBiological internal stability maintenance
- echolocationNavigation through reflected sound
bioluminescence · respiration · circulation · filtration · self-repair
biomimeticmechanistic
Viewing systems as machines
synthetic · artificial · conventional · traditional design · industrial
biomimeticsynthetic
Produced artificially, not natural
artificial · mechanical · inorganic · industrial · robotic