Most problems the human race is facing have not only been already encountered but rather, solved by nature in some capacity over the past 3.8 billion years. It has taken a long time for nature to develop into an effective and efficient functioning system. This understanding is the foundation of Biomimicry. Biomimicry is the observation and imitation of nature to solve our problems.
Applications:
The applications of biomimicry are far-ranging and diverse. It can be used in architecture, sustainability, medicine, engineering, and much more. Let’s look at some examples to understand its mechanics better:
1. Humpback whales’ flippers have bumps on their edges to allow them to swim and move about with greater ease. A company “Whale Power” imitated this feature to design wind turbine blades, and as a result, wind energy production has been made more efficient. Compared to smooth-edge wind turbine blades, this design generated more electricity.
2. The Shinkansen bullet train in Japan distressed residents with the clamorous “tunnel boom” that sounded every time it sped through tunnels, due to the atmospheric pressure that gathered in front of the train. Engineers noticed kingfisher birds’ ability to dive into the water to catch their prey without making a splash; thus they solved the problem by mimicking the shape of the birds’ beaks to re-design the front of the train. The new shape removed the tunnel boom and even reduced air resistance.
3. Woodpeckers can drum against a tree’s surface around 18–22 times per second. Yet, they sustain no brain damage. By closely examining how the structures of the woodpeckers’ beak and skull protect it, scientists and engineers have succeeded in creating devices to protect from shock and vibrations, by absorbing and reducing the amplitude respectively.
Sustainability:
It is a common understanding that nature has no waste. All material is reused and repurposed. The ecosystem is an example of an extraordinary system in which all organisms are interdependent and aid one another to survive. By observing the role that each organism plays within it, we can learn how to adapt our society and communities to become as sustainable and efficient as possible.
When discussing the pivotal role that biomimicry plays in sustainability, 3 main principles have been established. Here is a breakdown of each one:
1. Emulate
As discussed previously, by imitating nature’s evolutionary methods, we can create better, more efficient models and designs to aid us in our journey toward a more sustainable future.
2. Ethos
This principle encourages us to look at the bigger picture when considering the future scale of biomimicry. This allows engineers and scientists to realize its significance in resulting in long-term benefits for the environment and adjusting its applications to reflect this understanding. Biomimicry provides us with the opportunity to create products and give way to processes that reduce waste and conserve our limited resources.
3. Reconnect
In-depth observation and imitation of nature can only occur through interaction. In today’s fast-paced, widely urbanized world, spending time in nature cannot be emphasized enough. Immersion in nature is the sole way of improving our awareness of nature so we can learn to mimic its ways.
- Maryam
Sources:
- What is biomimicry? Definition and examples of biomimicry (youmatter.world) What Is Biomimicry? — Biomimicry Institute
- https://www.mdpi.com/2663148
- High-Speed Train Inspired by the Kingfisher — Innovation — AskNature
- Biomimetic design of woodpecker for shock and vibration protection | IEEE Conference Publication | IEEE Xplore
- https://medium.com/tedxwarwick/biomimicry-looking-to-nature-for-sustainable-innovation-7f7b334ecdaf
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