Was sich die Wissenschaft von Tieren und Pflanzen abguckt | neuneinhalb | WDR

Summary

This video explores the fascinating world of bionics, where nature inspires technology. It showcases how engineers develop robots modeled after animals, like a chameleon-inspired gripper and elephant trunk-inspired arms. Bionics has practical applications, from improving factory robots to creating energy-efficient airplanes. Historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci and modern scientists have drawn from nature’s designs, such as the structure of a gecko's feet or the skin of sharks. The video demonstrates how these nature-inspired inventions are transforming industries and shaping future technologies.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bionics is the science of learning from nature to create innovative technology, inspired by animals and their unique abilities.
• 😀 The Chamäleon gripper is a key example of bionic technology, inspired by a chameleon's tongue, which is used in industrial robots to handle delicate objects without damaging them.
• 😀 Bionics has applications in everyday items, including Velcro (inspired by burdock plants) and airplane technology (inspired by the skin of sharks for reduced drag).
• 😀 Many bionic inventions take inspiration from animal behavior, such as ants' teamwork for carrying heavy loads or elephants' trunks for flexibility.
• 😀 Leonardo da Vinci was one of the first to study animals, particularly birds, to inspire his flight machines.
• 😀 Gecko feet are another source of bionic innovation, leading to the development of adhesive materials that work without traditional glue.
• 😀 Some plants, like Venus flytraps, have rapid response mechanisms for capturing prey, which have inspired future technological solutions like adaptive building blinds.
• 😀 The fastest plant-based traps, such as those found in underwater carnivorous plants, inspired the creation of a responsive architectural system, which can adjust in real-time to control light in buildings.
• 😀 Bionic designs often take years of research and development before becoming practical, yet they offer significant benefits by mimicking nature's perfect mechanisms.
• 😀 Bionics can transform entire industries, as seen with robots used in factories that replicate animal traits to perform tasks more effectively, safely, and with less energy consumption.

Q & A

What is bionics and how is it applied in technology?

Bionics is the science of imitating natural systems and structures in technology. It involves studying animals and plants to inspire new inventions. In technology, bionics has led to innovations like animal-inspired robots and various industrial applications.

How do the animal-inspired robots work?

Animal-inspired robots mimic the movements and functions of animals. For example, a robot arm was inspired by the elephant’s trunk, designed to be highly flexible. Other robots are designed to move in swarms, like ants, to carry large loads and perform teamwork tasks.

How was the chameleon-inspired robot designed?

The chameleon-inspired robot uses a silicone cap that mimics the chameleon’s tongue action. It works by rapidly extending and wrapping around objects, allowing it to grasp and pick up things in a similar way to how a chameleon catches prey.

What is the significance of the chameleon gripper in industrial settings?

The chameleon gripper is used in industries like automotive manufacturing. It can pick up objects like screws with precision, offering a safer, more flexible alternative to traditional robotic grippers, which can be too rigid or forceful.

What are some everyday products influenced by bionics?

Bionics has inspired several everyday products, including Velcro (modeled after burdock seeds), the structure of airplanes (influenced by birds), and self-cleaning surfaces (inspired by plant leaves).

Who was one of the first to study nature for technological innovation?

Leonardo da Vinci was one of the pioneers in studying nature for technological inspiration. His observations of birds and their flight behavior led him to design flying machines.

How do shark skin-inspired materials work in aerodynamics?

Shark skin has small ridges that reduce drag and increase swimming speed. Engineers have developed materials that mimic this skin structure, which are now used in aircraft to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency.

What is the history behind the invention of Velcro?

Velcro was invented by Swiss engineer Georges de Mestral, who noticed that burrs would stick to his dog’s fur. Upon examining them, he discovered the hooks and loops that inspired the development of the Velcro fastening system.

How do geckos inspire new adhesive technologies?

Geckos can climb walls and even walk upside down thanks to the special structures on their feet. Researchers have used this inspiration to develop reusable adhesive tapes that function similarly to gecko feet, providing strong adhesion without glue.

What did the researchers learn from carnivorous plants?

Researchers studied carnivorous plants, such as the Venus flytrap and underwater carnivorous plants, which use rapid snap motions to catch prey. These movements inspired the development of technology like adaptive sunshades that open and close similarly to these plant traps.