Biomimetics - Biologically Inspired Technology


Over the 3.8 billion years since life is estimated to have begun to appear on Earth, evolution has resolved many of nature’s challenges leading to lasting solutions with maximal performance using minimal resources. Nature’s inventions have always inspired human achievement and have led to effective algorithms, methods, materials, processes, structures, tools, mechanisms, and systems. There are numerous examples of biomimetic successes including some that are simple copies of nature, such as the use of fins for swimming. Others examples were inspired by biological capabilities with greater complexity including the mastery of flying that became possible only after the principles of aerodynamics were better understood. Some commercial implementations of biomimetics can be readily found in toy stores, where robotic toys are increasingly appearing and behaving like living creatures. More substantial benefits of biomimetics include the development of prosthetics that closely mimic real limbs as well as sensory-enhancing microchips that are being used to interface with the brain to assist in hearing, seeing, and controlling instruments. In this course, various aspects of the field of biomimetics will be reviewed, examples of inspiring biological models and practical applications of biomimetics will be described, and challenges and potential directions of the field will be discussed.

We offer this and all courses as On Site Training



WHAT THE COURSE COVERS:
  • Introduction - why mimic nature?
  • Nature’s inventions as an inspiring model for biomimetics
  • Technology of artificial nature (including artificial organs, artificial materials, and artificial muscles)
  • Mechanical engineering in nature and related technologies (including mechanisms, structures, parts, defense and attack tools, nastic structures, scaling issues, mobility techniques, manipulators and devices)
  • Mimicking natures’ materials and processes (including multifunctional materials, silks, just in time fabrication, materials as integrated systems, and ink-printing for 3D rapid prototyping)
  • Current and potential applications (including bio-sensors, haptics, robotics, and user friendly systems)
  • Summary and expectations for the future of biomimetics

This course includes a Biomimetics course manual.



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