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Bar-Cohen : Biomimetics: Biologically Inspired Technologies  DK3163_c001 Final Proof page 1 21.9.2005 6:40pm
















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                                                       Introduction to Biomimetics:
                                              The Wealth of Inventions in Nature
                                       as an Inspiration for Human Innovation



                    Yoseph Bar-Cohen



                    CONTENTS
                     1.1  Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 2
                     1.2  Mimicking and Inspiration of Nature..................................................................................................... 4
                         1.2.1  Synthetic Life............................................................................................................................ 6
                     1.3  Artificial Life.......................................................................................................................................... 7
                     1.4  Artificial Intelligence.............................................................................................................................. 8
                     1.5  Nature as a Model for Structures and Tools..........................................................................................9
                         1.5.1  Constructing Structures from Cells........................................................................................... 9
                         1.5.2  Biologically Inspired Mechanisms ......................................................................................... 10
                               1.5.2.1  Digging as the Gopher and the Crab ...................................................................... 10
                               1.5.2.2  Inchworm Motors.................................................................................................... 11
                               1.5.2.3  Pumping Mechanisms............................................................................................. 12
                               1.5.2.4  Controlled Adhesion ............................................................................................... 13
                               1.5.2.5  Biological Clock ..................................................................................................... 13
                         1.5.3  Biologically Inspired Structures and Parts ............................................................................. 13
                               1.5.3.1  Honeycomb as a Strong, Lightweight Structure..................................................... 13
                               1.5.3.2  Hand Fan ................................................................................................................. 13
                               1.5.3.3  Fishing Nets and Screens........................................................................................ 15
                               1.5.3.4  Fins.......................................................................................................................... 15
                         1.5.4  Defense and Attack Mechanisms in Biology ......................................................................... 16
                               1.5.4.1  Camouflage.............................................................................................................. 16
                               1.5.4.2  Body Armor ............................................................................................................ 16
                               1.5.4.3  Hooks, Pins, Sting, Syringe, Barb, and the Spear .................................................. 17
                               1.5.4.4  Decoy ...................................................................................................................... 18
                         1.5.5  Artificial Organs...................................................................................................................... 19
                     1.6  Materials and Processes in Biology ..................................................................................................... 19
                         1.6.1  Spider Web — Strong Fibers.................................................................................................. 20
                         1.6.2  Honeybee as a Multiple Materials Producer........................................................................... 21
                         1.6.3  Swallow as a Clay and Composite Materials Producer.......................................................... 21
                         1.6.4  Fluorescence Materials in Fireflies and Road Signs............................................................... 21
                         1.6.5  Impact Sensitive Paint Mimicking Bruised Skin.................................................................... 22




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