Biomimicry Examples: 10 Amazing Examples of Biomimicry

Summary

This video explores the fascinating world of biomimicry, where engineers and scientists draw inspiration from nature to solve complex human problems. From the Shinkansen train's 'tunnel boom' solved by mimicking the Kingfisher's beak, to painless micro-needles inspired by mosquito bites, and whale fins that improve wind turbine efficiency, the video showcases how nature's designs have revolutionized technology. It also touches on innovations inspired by shark skin, beetles for water harvesting, woodpeckers for shock resistance, squids for camouflage, termites for ventilation, and the history of human flight, all demonstrating the profound impact of biomimicry on modern innovation.

Takeaways

• 🚄 The Shinkansen train in Japan created a 'tunnel boom' sonic boom-like noise when exiting tunnels, which was resolved by mimicking the beak of a Kingfisher, increasing efficiency by 15%.
• 🦟 Researchers are developing painless micro-needles inspired by the mosquito's unique biting mechanism, which combines a numbing agent and a serrated needle design.
• 🐳 Biomimicry of the humpback whale's bumpy fins has led to the creation of more efficient wind turbine blades that generate the same power at lower wind speeds.
• 🦈 The design of shark skin, with its dermal denticles, has been used to create swimsuits that reduce drag and improve speed, although now banned in Olympic competition.
• 💧 The Namib Desert beetle's ability to collect water from fog inspired the development of biomimetic materials that can harvest water from the air.
• 🪵 Woodpeckers' shock-absorbing beak and skull structures have been studied to develop better shock-resistant technologies, such as spacecraft and black boxes.
• 🦑 Squids' bioluminescence and color-changing abilities have inspired the creation of artificial skin that can match its surroundings quickly, with potential military and commercial uses.
• 🐜 Termite mounds' natural ventilation systems have been replicated in human architecture, such as a shopping center in Zimbabwe, reducing energy consumption by 10%.
• 🌿 The invention of Velcro was inspired by the way burrs stick to fur or fabric, demonstrating how everyday observations can lead to significant innovations.
• 🕊️ The history of human flight, from Leonardo da Vinci's ornithopter to the Wright brothers' first powered flight, showcases the long-standing influence of biomimicry in aeronautics.

Q & A

What is the phenomenon known as 'tunnel boom'?

Tunnel boom is a sonic boom created when a train, such as the Shinkansen, speeds into a tunnel, forcing air along the enclosed space and building up air pressure in waves, which is then released at the end of the tunnel as a loud bang.

How did the engineer Asia Nakatsu solve the tunnel boom problem?

Inspired by the Kingfisher's diving technique, Asia Nakatsu designed a 50-foot steel beak for the Shinkansen train, which reduced noise pollution and increased the train's efficiency by about 15 percent.

What is the connection between mosquitoes and painless micro needles?

Researchers studying the mosquito's ability to bite without causing discomfort have developed a micro needle inspired by the mosquito's saliva, serrated needle design, and vibration control, resulting in a virtually painless hypodermic needle.

Why are humpback whales' fins considered biomimetic?

Humpback whales have bumpy tubercle fins that reduce drag by nearly a third and improve lift by eight percent, which has been mimicked in biomimetic fins to increase the efficiency of propulsion systems.

How do sharks' dermal denticles contribute to their movement?

Sharks' dermal denticles create a low-pressure zone when in motion, which pulls the shark forward and reduces drag, a feature that has been incorporated into biomimetic swimsuits for increased swimming efficiency.

What is the Stenner car beetle, and how does it inspire water harvesting technology?

The Stenner car beetle lives in the arid Namib Desert and has evolved to pull water from fog through a pattern of nodes on its back. This natural water harvesting method is being mimicked to develop technologies that can extract water from the air.

How do woodpeckers avoid brain damage from the high G-forces experienced while pecking?

Woodpeckers have natural shock absorbers including a semi-elastic beak, spongy bone material behind the skull, and cerebral spinal fluid that extend the time over which concussion occurs, reducing the impact of G-forces.

What is the significance of the termites' ventilation system in architecture?

Termites create elaborate ventilation systems in their mounds for cooling, a design that has inspired energy-efficient buildings like a shopping center in Zimbabwe, which uses 10 percent less energy than traditional air-conditioned facilities.

How did George de Mestral's observation of burrs lead to the invention of Velcro?

George de Mestral noticed the tiny hooks on burrs that easily caught on loops like fur and fabric. He replicated this with a strip of loosely looping nylon and a strip of tiny hooks, creating the Velcro fastening system.

What is the historical significance of Leonardo da Vinci's ornithopter in the development of human flight?

Leonardo da Vinci's ornithopter, although never built, laid the conceptual groundwork for human flight, inspiring subsequent designs like Otto Lilienthal's glider and eventually leading to the Wright brothers' first powered, controlled flight.