exoskeletons
Bugs' outer shells
Exoskeletons are hard outer coverings that provide structure and protection for certain animals—insects, crustaceans, and arachnids wear their skeletons on the outside rather than inside.
Unlike internal bones, exoskeletons must be shed periodically as the animal grows.
The term also applies to wearable mechanical frameworks that enhance human strength or mobility: The factory workers use powered exoskeletons to lift heavy parts.
Arthropod shell polymer
- moltingPeriodic shedding of covering
- cuticleDead skin at nail base
- carapaceProtective dorsal exoskeleton
- shellHard outer covering
crustacean · insect · segmented · beetle · crab · lobster · scorpion · spider
To uphold or sustain
- protectionGuarding against harm
- structureArrangement of interconnected parts
- rigidUnable to bend
- externalLocated on outside
invertebrate · calcium · load-bearing · lightweight · flexibility · armor · growth · shedding
Able to be worn
- poweredSupplied with energy
- suitMatched formal garments
- mobilityCapacity for movement
- rehabilitationRecovery from injury/addiction
assistive · prosthetic · hydraulic · servo · actuator · paralysis · strength · augmentation
chitin
Arthropod shell polymer
- moltingPeriodic shedding of covering
- cuticleDead skin at nail base
- carapaceProtective dorsal exoskeleton
shell · crustacean · insect · segmented · beetle · crab · lobster · scorpion · spider · hardened
support
To uphold or sustain
- protectionGuarding against harm
- structureArrangement of interconnected parts
- rigidUnable to bend
external · invertebrate · calcium · load-bearing · lightweight · flexibility · armor · growth · shedding · regeneration
wearable
Able to be worn
rehabilitation · assistive · prosthetic · hydraulic · servo · actuator · paralysis · strength · augmentation · HAL
biomimetic
Mimicking biological systems
design · articulation · actuation · ergonomic · torque · efficiency · prototype · testing · safety · certification
- animal defensespoison, venom, toxin, toxins, horns
- animal featuresbeaks, scales, antlers, fur, ears
- assistive deviceswheelchair, glasses, wheelchairs, eyeglasses, walkers
- fossilsdinosaur bones, ammonite, amber, ammonites, fossils
- future techAI, drones, robots, autonomous vehicles, VR
- shed materialhair, skin, fur, feathers, scales