biomimetics
Engineering from nature
Biomimetics is the design of materials, structures, and systems modeled on biological processes and organisms.
Engineers study how geckos climb walls to create better adhesives, or how lotus leaves repel water to develop self-cleaning surfaces.
The field assumes nature has solved problems worth imitating: Biomimetics inspired the design of Velcro, based on how burrs stick to fur.
Influenced by the environment
- shark skinApex predator's outer layer
- velcroFabric fastener using hooks
- structural colorHue from nanoscale architecture
- self-healingAble to repair itself
hydrophobicity · morphology · optimization · aerodynamics · hydrodynamics · camouflage · swarm intelligence · modularity
Science of organism movement
- physiologyScience of bodily functions
- evolutionSpecies changing over generations
- natural selectionDifferential reproductive success
- organismLiving biological entity
anatomy · locomotion · photosynthesis · echolocation · bioluminescence · exoskeleton · chitin · keratin
Automaton design field
- materials scienceStudy of engineered substances
- nanotechnologyAtomic-scale manipulation science
- sensorsDevices that detect input
- actuatorsMovement-producing mechanisms
prosthetics · drones · coatings · filtration · adhesives · composites · 3D printing · microstructures
Building design discipline
- aerospaceAtmosphere plus outer void
- automotiveRelating to motor vehicles
- textilesWoven or knit materials
- medicineCurative substance or practice
water purification · solar cells · ventilation · building design · packaging · agriculture · desalination · wound healing
nature-inspired
Influenced by the environment
- shark skinApex predator's outer layer
- velcroFabric fastener using hooks
- structural colorHue from nanoscale architecture
self-healing · hydrophobicity · morphology · optimization · aerodynamics · hydrodynamics · camouflage · swarm intelligence · modularity · adaptation
biomechanics
Science of organism movement
- physiologyScience of bodily functions
- evolutionSpecies changing over generations
- natural selectionDifferential reproductive success
organism · anatomy · locomotion · photosynthesis · echolocation · bioluminescence · exoskeleton · chitin · keratin · collagen
robotics
Automaton design field
- materials scienceStudy of engineered substances
- nanotechnologyAtomic-scale manipulation science
- sensorsDevices that detect input
actuators · prosthetics · drones · coatings · filtration · adhesives · composites · 3D printing · microstructures · smart materials
architecture
Building design discipline
- aerospaceAtmosphere plus outer void
- automotiveRelating to motor vehicles
- textilesWoven or knit materials
medicine · water purification · solar cells · ventilation · building design · packaging · agriculture · desalination · wound healing · implants
biomimeticsmechanization
Converting to machine operation
synthetic biology · geoengineering · anthropocentrism · terraforming · artificiality