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4 Biomimetics: Biologically Inspired Technologies

an enormous number of mysteries remain unravelled. Humans have learned a lot from nature and
the results help surviving generations and continue to secure a sustainable future.
This book reviews the various aspects of biomimetics from modeling to applications as well as
various scales of the field from cell to macro-structures. Chapter 1 provides an overview of the field
of biomimetics addressing technologies that mimic biology versus those that adapt its principles
using biology as an inspiring model. Chapter 2 describes biological mechanisms as models for
mimicking. Chapter 3 examines the mechanization of cognition and the creation of knowledge, and
the various aspects of processing by the brain as a basis for autonomous operation. Another angle of
this issue is covered in Chapter 4, where evolutionary robotics and open-ended design automation
are described. One of the widely used biologically inspired algorithms, the genetic algorithm, is
described in Chapter 5 using a mathematical imitation of evolution and natural selection. Robotics
is increasingly inspired by biology and robots that are close imitation of animals and humans are
emerging with incredible capability as described in Chapter 6. The details of making a biological
system as a model are discussed in the following chapters where biologically inspired molecular
machines are described in Chapter 7 and molecular design of biological and nano-materials in
Chapter 8. The next two chapters deal with biological and artificial muscles with Chapter 9
describing engineered muscle actuators and Chapter 10 covering the topic of artificial muscles
using electroactive polymers (EAP). An important aspect of biology and systems is the use of
sensors and Chapter 11 covers the topic of vision as an example of bio-sensors. One of the unique
characteristics of biological materials and structures is their multifunctionality and these materials
are covered in Chapter 12. Other aspects of biological systems that offer important models for
imitation are described in the chapters that follow. Chapter 13 covers defense and attack strategies
and mechanisms in biology; Chapter 14 covers biological materials in engineering mechanisms;
Chapter 15 describes mechanisms and applications of functional surfaces in biology. One of the
critical issues of operating systems is that of control and Chapter 16 examines the issue of
biomimetic and biologically inspired control. Interfacing the body with artificial devices is covered
in the next two chapters with Chapter 17 describing interfacing microelectronics and the human
body and Chapter 18 covering artificial support and replacement of human organs. Plants also serve
as a model for inspiration and Chapter 19 describes the topic of nastic structures, which are active
materials that enact and mimic plant movements. Chapter 20 of this book includes an overview,
description, challenges, and outlook for the field of biomimetics.
This chapter provides an overview of some of the key biology areas that inspired humans to
produce an imitation. This includes making artificial, synthesized, inspired, and copied mechan-
isms, as well as processes, techniques, and other biomimetic aspects. There are many examples but
only a select few are given in this chapter to illustrate the successes and the possibilities.

1.2 MIMICKING AND INSPIRATION OF NATURE

Biology offers a great model for imitation, copying and learning, and also as inspiration for new
technologies (Benyus, 1998). Flying was inspired by birds using human developed capabilities
(Figure 1.1), whereas the design and function of fins, which divers use, was copied from the legs of
water creatures such as the seal, goose, and frog. But the distinction between technologies resulting
from the various adaptive approaches is not always clear. For instance, studying photosynthesis in a
leaf may lead some to argue that the invention of the solar cell is an imitation, while others may see
it as a biologically inspired technology. While both photosynthesis and solar cell use sunlight as a
source of energy, they neither perform the same process nor create the same output.
Biologically inspired terms such as male and female connectors, as well as teeth of a saw are
common, and it is very clear to us what they mean. Other terms derived from biology the usage of
which are clearly understood include the heart to suggest the center, the head to indicate the
beginning, the foot or tail to imply the end, the brain to describe a computing system. Likewise, the