Ever wonder how a chance encounter with a weird plant led to the creation of velcro? Or how a bird-inspired the design of the bullet train? These discoveries are possible thanks to biomimetics, which takes inspiration from nature to improve human technology. By studying nature’s processes and systems, we can incorporate their strengths while overcoming their shortcomings with our own technologies. Here are some innovative examples of biomimetic designs:
1. Velcro
Let’s go back in time and explore how velcro was invented. In 1941, engineer George de Mestral noticed burrs sticking to him and his dog during a hunting trip. Upon closer inspection, he realized that the hooks of the burrs and the loops of the fabric and fur were almost inseparable. At that moment, he was inspired to create a fastener. After years of hard work, he finally created Velcro, a portmanteau of the French words velours and crochet (loop and hook, respectively). Nowadays, velcro is a staple in school bags, children’s sneakers, fishing poles, electric wires, and so many more!
2. Shinkansen
In the late ’90s, Japan’s bullet trains had a significant issue: when exiting tunnels, their high speeds would result in loud booming noises, which proved to be a major concern for sleeping residents and animals nearby. After some investigation, the engineers behind the Shinkansen soon determined that the shape of the train was responsible for these noises. In tunnels, the flat front of these trains would push cushions of air at such high speeds that, upon exiting the tunnel, would produce loud, booming sounds. Fortunately, one of the engineers working on this project was a bird watcher. He noticed that the kingfisher, when diving, creates minimal splashes compared to its size. He realized that this had something to do with the bird’s streamlined and pointy beak, resulting in the optimal air and water flow. This idea served as the inspiration behind the aerodynamic, efficient, and quiet bullet train as we know it today.
3. Architecture
Often, temperature regulation in large enclosed spaces requires equipment that is extremely expensive to maintain. As a result, when architect Mick Pearce learned that he was in charge of designing the upcoming Eastgate Centre in Harare, Zimbabwe, without a conventional air conditioning or heating system, he turned to nature to solve his problem. He noticed that termite mounds regulated heat through the opening and closing vents that controlled the convection currents of air. Accordingly, he designed a building that cools and warms itself without requiring any additional equipment. He achieved this by using materials that can store heat but cannot change their temperatures well. In the morning, when the air is hotter, the insulated building cools the air as it flows inside. Meanwhile, when the air is cooler in the evening, the insulated building heats the air as it enters. As such, it can maintain a steady temperature of around 28 degrees Celsius in the day and 14 degrees celsius at night. Not only that, but it also saves 10% of its cost and energy by relying on a non-traditional cooling system.
4. Light
Usually, we see color because things have pigments that absorb certain light wavelengths and release others. However, there is another way to produce color. Microscopic structures on the wings of morpho butterflies diffract colors at such angles that some are either cancelled out or heightened. Known as structural color, butterflies use this for camouflage, heat regulation, and signaling to other members of their species. Studying these structures can help us better understand the manipulation of light rays, which can lead to developments such as improved computer monitors and the invention of cloaking devices for military and spy operations.
5. Waste
Over 4 billion people around the world suffer from a lack of manageable and sanitary human waste disposal. This results in the pollution of nearby water sources, which, in turn, leads to outbreaks of waterborne diseases like cholera. The situation is so severe that a child dies from a water-related disease approximately every 15 seconds. In light of this, a company called WATER Labs has developed a new way to dispose of waste. WATER Labs was inspired to use the concept of evapotranspiration, where plants draw water from the soil and release them as gas. In doing so, they invented the iThrone, with 95% of its excrement being water. Removing this water can allow toilets to be emptied manually every few weeks instead of every day. This toilet operates by containing droppings in a membrane bag that is non-porous and breathable, so it encourages gas to escape while retaining water, thus pulling moisture out of the waste. Accordingly, most of the water in the waste evaporates, and only a small amount of excrement remains. This makes the iToilet non-flushable so that it does not consume any power or energy and makes it more sanitary since excrement does not pile up and can be disposed of more easily.
Biomimetics can be implemented in a wide array of scientific fields. From aerodynamics to waste management, biomimetics can improve our technologies and quality of life. By taking inspiration from God’s designs as shown through nature, we are able to leverage His infinite wisdom as jumping-off points for our own innovations.
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