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12 Biomimetics: Biologically Inspired Technologies

1. Clamps Brake no. 1
Extender
Brake no. 1 Brake no. 2
Shaft

2. Extends and moves Brake no. 2

3. Clamps Brake no. 2

4. Retracts and moves Brake no. 1 forward

Figure 1.6 Operation sequence of a typical inchworm mechanism.

as the ground or plants. Other creatures that perform worm-like movement but in a different way
can be seen in the earthworm, maggot, hornworm, ragworm (swimming, walking, burrowing), eel,
geometrid larva, snake, millipede, and centipede.

1.5.2.3 Pumping Mechanisms

Nature uses various pumping mechanisms that are also used in mechanical pumps. The lungs pump
air in and out (tidal pumping) via the use of the diaphragm to enable our breathing. Peristaltic
pumping is one of the most common forms of pumping in biological systems, where liquids are

Brings the back forward

Stretches forward

Brings the back forward

Figure 1.7 One of the forms of mobility seen in worms (the millipede).