Biomimetics: determining engineering opportunities from nature

TLDR

Biomimetics seeks to translate biological designs into engineered technologies, leveraging organisms whose performance surpasses current mechanical solutions and whose novel features can be identified through adaptationist studies to inspire new engineering approaches. Adaptations such as leading‑edge tubercles that modify flow and high‑efficiency oscillatory propulsive systems from marine animals show potential for biomimetic product development.

Abstract

The biomimetic approach seeks to incorporate designs based on biological organisms into engineered technologies. Biomimetics can be used to engineer machines that emulate the performance of organisms, particularly in instances where the organism's performance exceeds current mechanical technology or provides new directions to solve existing problems. For biologists, an adaptationist program has allowed for the identification of novel features of organisms based on engineering principles; whereas for engineers, identification of such novel features is necessary to exploit them for biomimetic development. Adaptations (leading edge tubercles to passively modify flow and high efficiency oscillatory propulsive systems) from marine animals demonstrate potential utility in the development of biomimetic products. Nature retains a store of untouched knowledge, which would be beneficial in advancing technology.