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Biomimicry Bitesized Lesson-1 Slides

1) Biomimicry is a method of innovation that looks to nature for inspiration. Engineers study biological structures, processes, and systems to inform the design of human solutions. 2) Examples include studying gecko feet to develop adhesives and studying photosynthesis to improve solar cells. 3) In addition to structures, nature provides examples of processes like how ants locate food sources efficiently and ecological systems that have low waste.

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96 views

Biomimicry Bitesized Lesson-1 Slides

1) Biomimicry is a method of innovation that looks to nature for inspiration. Engineers study biological structures, processes, and systems to inform the design of human solutions. 2) Examples include studying gecko feet to develop adhesives and studying photosynthesis to improve solar cells. 3) In addition to structures, nature provides examples of processes like how ants locate food sources efficiently and ecological systems that have low waste.

Uploaded by

priyanka
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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BIOMIMICRY

A bite-sized introduction

Lesson 1: Introduction to Biomimicry

Biomimicry.org | AskNature.org
What is biomimicry?
Bios = the living world Biomimicry is a method engineers and
+ designers use for creating innovation, by
looking to the natural world for ideas.
Mimicry = to emulate

Mateus S. Figueiredo CC by 4.0 Florida Fish and Wildlife CC by 2.0


2

Biomimicry.org | AskNature.org
What is biomimicry?

For example, researchers studied how geckos climb walls and developed
materials that mimic the microscopic structures of gecko feet. 3

Biomimicry.org | AskNature.org
Terms and definitions

Biomimicry
Bio-inspired (design) These all mean innovation
Biomimetics inspired by nature.
Bio-design

Biomimicry tends to focus on nature-inspired innovation that improves the


sustainability of human existence and supports the planet as a whole.

Biomimicry.org | AskNature.org
Terms and definitions

Biomorphism - looking like something in nature – is not biomimicry.


Biomimicry is learning from functional design in nature and applying it to human
innovation. 5

Biomimicry.org | AskNature.org
Terms and definitions

Bioutilization – using something from nature – is not biomimicry either.


6

Biomimicry.org | AskNature.org
Terms and definitions

Biomimics - people who use or practice biomimicry - get ideas from biological
structures (forms), processes and systems.
7

Biomimicry.org | AskNature.org
Emulating biological structures

Biological structures are


the easiest aspect of the
natural world to recognize.

Biological structures are


everywhere, at both
microscopic and
macroscopic scales..
8

Biomimicry.org | AskNature.org
Emulating biological structures

Biological structures
accomplish many things,
so there is a lot to learn
from these structures to
inform human designs.

Biomimicry.org | AskNature.org
Emulating biological structures

William Thielicke CC by SA 2.5

For example, biomimics have emulated the microscopic structures on leaves to create
more sustainable hydrophobic (water repellent) surfaces, e.g. on fabric.
Before this, the primary way hydrophobic surfaces were created used toxic chemicals. 10

Biomimicry.org | AskNature.org
Emulating biological processes

The living world demonstrates many


kinds of biological processes.

Examples include photosynthesis and


the process by which ants work together
to find food.

11

Biomimicry.org | AskNature.org
Emulating biological processes
Humans can learn from and borrow ideas from
biological processes.

• Studying photosynthesis has improved how some


types of solar cells work.

• Studying how ants work together to find food has


lead to software programs that can route delivery
trucks more efficiently, helping save time,
money, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
12

Biomimicry.org | AskNature.org
Emulating ecological systems

Most manufacturing systems designed by people create a lot of waste in the


process of production. These systems are “linear” in the sense that raw materials
go into production and waste comes out. 13

Biomimicry.org | AskNature.org
Emulating ecological systems

Ecological systems are characterized


by having high and sustained diversity
and production, despite having low
amounts of nutrients flowing through
them.

They achieve this by efficiently


transferring nutrients through food
chains, i.e., there is no waste (waste =
food).
14

Biomimicry.org | AskNature.org
Emulating ecological systems

Loozrboy CC by SA 2.0

One way humans can emulate ecological systems is by doing things like recycling
high-value materials, designing things to be easily recyclable, and designing things
to be easily disassembled and biodegradable. 15

Biomimicry.org | AskNature.org
Emulating ecological systems

Humans can also emulate


ecological systems by using the
waste from one manufacturing
process as the input for another
manufacturing process.

16

Biomimicry.org | AskNature.org

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