Summary:
This chapter explore various examples of biomimetics and bio-inspired inventions. According to the the author on page 2:
“Nature is effectively a great laboratory where trial and error experiments are made..”
Definitions:
- Biomimetics: Seeks to understand and use nature as a model for copying, adapting and inspiring concepts and designs
- Natural forms – they occur naturally in ambient conditions
- Imitations: Made made components usually created under heat and pressure
- Robot – a biomimetic machine with humanlike features running via electromechanical mechanism with the ability to sense its environment with some degree of intelligence.
Examples:
- Camouflage- military uniforms mimic animals to blend in
- Beaver’s Dam – man made dames to serve similar purpose
- Honeycomb – structure used for sound proofing (an adaptation is using egg crates)
- Plant water system – can be studied for improved irrigation?
Questions:
With the table example, furniture is said to mimic animals which stand on four legs. Considering that the four legs widen the base thous lowering the centre of gravity this can be the reason for the structure. However was this information common knowledge when the first piece of furniture was invented?
Is it better to understand and imitate the benefits of nature (eg camouflage) or to imitate nature itself (eg robots)?
I don’t really understand the inchworm example and would need further clarification on it.
What’t the relationship between biomimetic inventions and physics. Which is dependent on the other?
If nature’s evolution has allowed for biomimetics to even be possible due to its trial and error style, wouldn’t it be counterproductive to the evolutionary process?
What is the difference between operations, such as operations in water, and bio-inspired invention.
Reflection:
This article was very insightful in showing how much nature as influences humanity for centuries. By preserving and better nourishing our environment, we can truly learn a great deal from it and for it.