Welcome back to our exploration of biomimicry, where we dive deeper into how the natural world doesn’t just inspire us but actively offers blueprints for innovation and sustainability. In our previous post, we discussed the profound impact of adopting a mindset to learn from nature, rather than about nature. Today, we’ll explore how this approach is not only fascinating but also increasingly essential in our quest to create more sustainable technologies and lifestyles.
In our first discussion, Rob Janisch opened our eyes to the endless possibilities when we ask, “How would nature solve this?” Continuing on, let’s look at how nature’s designs are being translated into cutting-edge technologies that could one day become part of our everyday lives.
Biomimicry in Action: Innovative Designs Inspired by Nature
Imagine robots as agile and efficient as cheetahs. Researchers are studying the spine of these incredible animals to revolutionize robotics, aiming for machines that combine speed, efficiency, and the grace of one of nature’s most formidable predators. This isn’t just about building better robots; it’s about rethinking our approach to machinery, making it more harmonious with human operators and environments.
The cheetah’s spine is one of the key mechanisms that allows cheetahs to reach speeds of 120km/hr or 74mph. while running the muscular contraction causes the spine to bend, but as they stretch out to take another stride the spine recoils like a spring, propelling them forward through the powerful thrusts of their hind legs.
Robots are a crucial adaptation and advancement for safely and quickly delivering essential supplies, as they reduce risks to human lives. However, traditional soft robots that crawl must always touch the ground, which slows them down. In urgent rescue missions, where speed is critical, this can be a significant limitation.
Enter the “Leveraging Elastic instabilities for Amplified Performance” (LEAP) robots, inspired by the biomechanics of cheetahs. These silicone wonders, equipped with a spring-powered, ‘bistable’ spine like that of a cheetah, can swiftly switch between stable states, propelling themselves with remarkable speed—up to 2.7 body lengths per second on land and 0.78 body lengths per second in water, far surpassing their predecessors.
Tree ventilation using shade:
Another intriguing example is inspired by the ancient trees found in our very own backyards. Scientists are mimicking the way trees circulate air to develop cooling systems for built-up areas which lack trees. The ‘urban heat effect’ is a result of built-up areas with high pollution retaining the heat. The follow on from this is that the cities are much warmer than surrounding rural areas. The warmer temperatures then force people to utilise air conditioning, increasing energy consumption and driving up pollutants.
Nature has already engineered solutions to some of our most pressing challenges; we just need to observe and apply them. The Fractal Shade structure, mimicking the natural canopy of trees through Sierpinski Tetrahedrons, offers a solution. These structures diffuse sunlight, fostering continuous air movement similar to a forest’s gentle breeze, combating urban heat and its associated risks. If this could be implemented across large concrete areas, the ambient temperatures in cities or urban areas will drop.
The Fractal shade by Satoshi Sakai (Kyoto University)
Owl feathers:
Owls are famous for their silent flight, thanks to their specialized wing feathers that effectively reduce noise by manipulating airflow. These feathers have a unique fringe along the trailing edge, which scrambles the air in certain areas, quieting the noise as the owl flies. This silent flight is crucial for owls to efficiently hunt their prey without detection.
This natural design has inspired Biome Renewables in their turbine blade technology. Their “FeatherEdge” blades incorporate serrated edges that mimic the owl’s wing structure. This design disrupts the usual patterns of airflow across the blade, dramatically lowering noise levels and increasing the efficiency of the turbines.
The human’s eye sun protection:
Humans have long been aware of the sun’s harmful effects on our skin, leading us to develop various methods to prevent sunburn. Among these, synthetic chemical sunscreens have become globally popular. Although effective in blocking harmful rays, these sunscreens can negatively impact the environment, especially marine ecosystems. The chemicals they release persist in the environment and in our bodies, potentially causing more harm internally than they prevent on our skin’s surface.
Drawing inspiration from nature, researchers at Sóliome are developing eco-friendly sunscreens based on kynurenines, natural compounds that also protect the human eye. Kynurenines, responsible for eye pigmentation, act as a protective barrier against UV damage. When these natural compounds are combined with bio-inspired molecules, they form large structures that remain on the skin’s surface, too large to penetrate the skin, thus providing effective sun protection without the environmental damage associated with traditional sunscreens.
These kynurenines are not only safer if absorbed because they are natural and biodegrade rapidly, but they also mimic a protective mechanism found in nature. Animals use kynurenines in their eyes to shield their retinas from UV damage. When UV light strikes these molecules, it triggers a reaction that redistributes electrical charges within the molecule, effectively converting harmful UV radiation into harmless vibrational energy before it can damage DNA. This ingenious natural process is what Sóliome hopes to replicate in their sunscreens, offering a safer and more sustainable way to protect against the sun.
As we look into these innovations, it’s crucial to reflect on our relationship with nature. This isn’t just about technological advancements but about fostering a deeper appreciation and respect for the natural world. Every example of biomimicry not only offers a lesson in engineering but also in environmental management.
Our role in this process extends beyond mere replication of nature’s designs; it involves a commitment to preserving the very ecosystems that inspire these innovations. It’s about creating a symbiotic relationship where technology and nature work in tandem, not in opposition. Next time you’re in your garden, or walking through a park, try to see beyond the beauty of nature and think about the solutions it offers right at your feet. Nature isn’t just our inspiration; it’s our greatest teacher. What lesson will you take away from your next encounter with the natural world?
Jess Shillaw
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