Biomimicry Examples: 10 Amazing Examples of Biomimicry
Summary
TLDRThis 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.
Outlines
🚄 Shinkansen's Sonic Boom Solution
The Shinkansen, a high-speed train in Japan, faced the issue of creating a sonic boom, or 'tunnel boom,' when exiting tunnels at speeds over 320 km/h. This loud noise was a result of air pressure waves building up and being released at the tunnel's end. Local residents reported disturbances up to 400 meters away. The solution was inspired by the Kingfisher bird, which dives into water with minimal splash due to its nose-first entry. An engineer named Asia Nakatsu applied this principle to the train's design, adding a 50-foot steel beak, which not only solved the noise issue but also increased the train's efficiency by about 15%.
🦟 Mosquito-Inspired Microneedles
Researchers are developing new microneedles inspired by the mosquito's ability to bite without causing discomfort. Mosquitoes use a numbing agent in their saliva, a serrated needle design, and vibration control to pierce skin with minimal force. This insight led to the creation of a hypodermic needle in Japan that is reported to be virtually painless, addressing the fear of needles that affects about 10% of Americans and can deter them from necessary medical treatments. The technology has broader applications, such as in neurosurgery, where it can provide safer and more effective treatments.
🐳 Humpback Whale Fins for Enhanced Aerodynamics
The humpback whale's bumpy tubercle fins, which might seem counterintuitive for efficient swimming, have been found to reduce drag and improve lift. This was discovered through tests using model flippers by the US Naval Academy. A company in Toronto, Canada, has developed biomimetic blades inspired by these fins, which can generate the same power at lower speeds compared to conventional turbines, making them more efficient.
🦈 Shark Skin for Reduced Drag in Swimming
Shark skin, covered with dermal denticles, creates a low-pressure zone that reduces drag and enhances speed. This feature was incorporated into swimsuits for the 2008 Olympics, although it was later banned due to its performance advantage. The technology behind biomimicry of shark skin is still being explored for various applications.
🐞 Beetle-Inspired Water Harvesting
The Stenner car beetle, native to the arid African Namib Desert, has evolved to collect water from fog through a pattern of nodes on its back. This ability to harvest water from the air has inspired scientists to develop biomimetic patterns for the same purpose, which could be crucial for water-scarce regions.
🪵 Woodpecker-Inspired Shock Absorption
Woodpeckers can withstand high G-forces while pecking without injury due to their natural shock-absorbing mechanisms, including a semi-elastic beak, spongy bone material, and cerebrospinal fluid. These features extend the time over which concussion occurs, reducing impact. Researchers are applying this knowledge to create shock-resistant technologies for various applications, including spacecraft and black boxes.
🦑 Squid-Inspired Camouflage Technology
Squids use bioluminescence and color-changing skin for communication and camouflage. Researchers have developed a device that mimics this ability, using a flexible grid with actuators, light sensors, and reflectors to change color in response to environmental changes. This technology has potential military and commercial applications.
🐜 Termite Mound-Inspired Ventilation Systems
Termites create elaborate ventilation systems in their mounds for cooling, even in hot climates. Engineers in Zimbabwe built a shopping center using a natural convection system inspired by termite mounds, which uses 10 percent less energy than traditional air conditioning. This biomimetic approach to architecture showcases the efficiency of nature's designs.
🌿 Nature-Inspired Velcro and Flight
George de Mestral invented Velcro after observing how burrs stuck to his dog's fur using tiny hooks. This simple yet effective design has found widespread use. Similarly, Leonardo da Vinci's ornithopter, inspired by bird flight, laid the groundwork for human flight. The Wright brothers' successful powered flight in 1903 was a significant milestone in aviation, building on the principles of biomimicry.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Sonic Boom
💡Biomimicry
💡Shinkansen
💡Kingfisher
💡Microneedle
💡Mosquito
💡Humpback Whale
💡Bioluminescence
💡Termite Mounds
💡Velcro
💡Ornithopter
Highlights
The Shinkansen train creates a 'tunnel boom' when it speeds into a tunnel, similar to a sonic boom.
Engineer Asia Nakatsu's bird-watching hobby led to the design of a 50-foot steel beak for the Shinkansen, reducing noise pollution and increasing efficiency.
Researchers are developing micro needles inspired by mosquitoes to create a virtually painless injection experience.
The mosquito's unique biting mechanism, including a numbing agent and serrated needle, is being studied for medical applications.
A Japanese hypodermic needle developed in 2011 is claimed to be virtually painless, helping those with needle phobia.
Neurosurgeons are using biomimetic technology inspired by mosquitoes for safer and more effective brain tissue removal.
Humpback whales' bumpy tubercle fins reduce drag and improve lift, inspiring new aerodynamic designs.
Whale Power's biomimetic blades generate power more efficiently at lower wind speeds, based on humpback whale fins.
Shark skin's dermal denticles create a low-pressure zone reducing drag, and this principle is used in swimsuits for increased speed.
Beetles from the Namib Desert can extract water from fog, inspiring technology for water harvesting in arid climates.
Woodpeckers' shock-absorbing beak and skull structures are being studied for applications in shock-resistant materials.
Squids' bioluminescence and color-changing skin are inspiring devices that can rapidly adapt to their surroundings.
Termites' complex ventilation systems in their mounds are mimicked in human architecture for energy-efficient cooling.
The velcro fastening system was invented after studying the hook and loop mechanism of burrs sticking to fur.
Leonardo da Vinci's ornithopter design was an early example of biomimicry, inspiring the development of human flight.
The Wright brothers' first powered flight was a significant milestone in the history of human flight, influenced by bird-inspired designs.
Transcripts
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what does a bird and a sonicboom have in
common
reaching speeds of over 320 km/h
everytime the Shinkansen train speeds
into a tunnel they would basically
become a shotgun round and every time
the train would blast out of that tunnel
it did so with an incredibly loud bang
it's called tunnel boom and is created
by the train forcing air along the
enclosed tunnel and building up the air
pressure in waves until it reaches the
end of the tunnel when it is released in
the form of a sonic boom angered by the
noise
local residents reported hearing bangs
up to 400 meters away from the railway
then in 1994 an engineer named Asia
nakatsu discovered the solution thanks
to his hobby of bird-watching
he gained inspiration from the
Kingfisher which dives nose-first into
water to catch fish and barely makes a
splash nakatsu gave his train a 50-foot
steel beak which solved the noise
pollution problem it also made the
Shinkansen train between about 15
percent more efficient
if you receive a painless injection from
of new micro needle in the near future
you may owe a debt of gratitude to the
mosquito the reason why is because quite
possibly everyone's least favorite
insect is the inspiration behind new
work being carried out by researchers
the reason we look at nature for clues
is because Nature has been through so
much eeveelution to discover the
simplest and most efficient methods part
of what makes mosquitoes so good at
getting humans sick researchers are now
learning is the effectiveness of that
bite researchers are taking a much
closer look at the unique components
that enable the mosquito to bite people
without causing them discomfort the
mosquito uses a combination of four
things a saliva based numbing agent
during biting a serrated design for the
needle vibration during the piercing
process and a combination of soft and
hard parts on the proboscis the insects
elongated sucking mouth part
this is nature's method and the
combination allows the mosquito to
pierce the skin with just one third of
the force required for an artificial
needle while the numbing agent takes
care of the rest
in 2011 the hypodermic needle was
developed in Japan that patients claim
is virtually painless this is important
as approximately 10% of Americans suffer
from a fear of needles which may prevent
them from receiving vaccines blood tests
or other treatments such as dental care
once these new needles were proven
effective another group within the
healthcare system realized that it could
be used to provide safer and more
effective treatment neurosurgeons use a
neurosurgical probe to remove brain
tissue in some selected patients these
are just a few examples of how the
biology of the mosquito has been used to
help millions of people many modern
aerodynamic designs rely on basic
principles to obtain optimal lift and
minimal drag sleek edges and clean lines
are key however throughout the animal
kingdom many species are capable of
exceptional lifts for example the
humpback whale uses bumpy tubercle fins
for propulsion
this seems counter
intuitive tests conducted by the US
Naval Academy using model flippers
determined these biomimetic fins reduced
drag by nearly a third and improved
lifts by eight percent overall whale
power a company based in Toronto Canada
has already capitalized on this latest
amazing tech according to MIT whale
powers biomimetic blades help generate
the same amount of power at 10 miles per
hour that conventional turbines generate
at 17 miles per hour
chuck's are one of the apex predators of
the seas their hunting prowess has been
fine-tuned over millennia while sharks
are well known for their acute sense of
smell and regenerating teeth new
research may actually point to the
species skin as its most evolutionary
asset chuck skin is covered with
so-called dermal denticles when in
motion these dermal denticles actually
create a low-pressure zone this
leading-edge vortex basically pulls the
shark forward and reduces drag speed Oh
notoriously incorporated biomimetic
shark skin into a line of swimsuits for
the 2008 Olympics the technology has
since been banned in Olympic competition
access to water is pivotal to any
sustainable civilization and life on
this planet in general some arid
climates must make do with limited
precipitation technology derived from a
beetle thriving in one of the harshest
environments on earth may very well help
start the next generation of clean water
harvesting the Stenner car beetle lives
in the arid African Namib Desert
but the tint critter has an evolutionary
hack to help it pull water out of
literal thin air a pattern of nodes
along the Beatles back enable the
creature to pull moisture from the fog
the droplets then slide off the bumps
into small channels towards the beetles
mouth scientists are now using this
research to develop biomimetic patterns
capable of harvesting water from the air
woodpeckers are known for their amazing
excavating capacity the creatures use
their beaks to forage for insects and
also to create places for themselves as
woodpeckers borer these holes they
experience 1,200 G's nearly 22 times per
second to put that in perspective a
severe car crash would deliver the
equivalent of 120 G's on a passenger
just how does the woodpecker withstand
these perpetual jolts the answer lies in
natural shock absorbers woodpeckers have
four structures designed to absorb
mechanical shock the birds semi elastic
beak an area of spongy bone material
behind the skull and
cerebral spinal fluid all work in unison
to extend the time over which this
concussion occurs and therefore
inhibiting vibration based on this
complex design researchers are working
to create in several applications
ranging from more shock resistant black
boxes to spacecraft's squids like all
cephalopods are capable of
bioluminescence as well as changing
their skin color this camouflaging
capacity allows them to hide from
predators while the bioluminescence
allows them to communicate with them to
attract a mate
this complex behavior is produced by a
network of specialized skin cells and
muscles researchers have developed a
similar device capable of detecting its
surroundings and matching this
environment in mere seconds this early
prototype uses a flexible pixelated grid
utilizing actuators light sensors and
reflectors as the light sensors detect a
change in the surroundings a signal
create heat in the area thus changing
the color this artificial skin could
have both military and commercial
applications in the future
let's take a look at termites termites
are known for creating some of the most
elaborate ventilation systems for
cooling on the planet even in some of
the hottest places these termite mounds
remain very cool inside using a complex
network of intentional air pockets the
mounds create a natural ventilation
system using convection engineers in
Zimbabwe built an entire shopping center
based on this natural convection system
currently the system uses 10 percent
less energy than a traditional
air-conditioned facility George de
Mestral was inspired to invent velcro
after noticing how easy it was for burrs
to stick to his dog's hair upon studying
the Mundra microscope he noticed the
simple design of tiny hooks at the end
of the burrs spines these were able to
catch anything with a loop such as fur
and fabric and he went on to replicate
this synthetically his two-putt velcro
fastening system uses a strip of loosely
looping nylon opposite a strip of tiny
hooks and has since been prolific in its
range of applications and popularity
perhaps one of the most famous examples
of biomimicry is evident in the history
of human flight Leonardo da Vinci is
largely known as a key figure in its
development his original design called
the ornithopter was never created but
was a principle in showing how man could
potentially fly several designers and
engineers worked on this bird inspired
concept in the following years for
instance otto lilienthal completed more
than 2,500 flights in a glider but it
was not until 1903 that the Wright
brothers flew the first powered
heavier-than-air machine in a controlled
and sustainable flight this technology
went on to define the aerial
developments of 20th century and the
technology seen in the air today
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