There is a reason why we refer to nature as our mother. It not only provides us our fundamental needs but inspires us to innovate and develop. This might also be the reason why several scientists and inventors have inventions inspired by nature. To our every question, nature has the answer. After all, it’s a system evolved by years of change and development. Realizing this essence of nature, biomimicry is a very popular term.
What is biomimicry?
When we talk about commendable, intelligent, and sustainable innovations, nature comes along. Copying and mimicking nature’s mechanism to innovate what already exists between us is Biomimicry. While biomimicry may also include creating an original idea. Moreover, biomimicry is an essential tool in any area that requires problem-solving. Be it engineering, architecture, psychology, product designing, or anything.
Here is the list of 5 man-made inventions that were inspired by nature,
Spider-web glass
Mirror facades used in buildings cause great complications to birds. These mirrors create an optical illusion for birds as it shows the reflection of the sky. Therefore, birds end up colliding with them. The solution to this problem came from nature.
We all know that spiders trap their delicate prey with spider web. While some of the spiders have a web that can reflect ultraviolet rays. Similarly, birds are capable to see those UV rays and protect themselves from such obstacles. Hence engineers substituted their mirror facades with a web-like pattern of ultraviolet-reflecting coating. This innovation of spider-web glass helps birds fly candidly.
Nature-inspired Bullet-Train
One day, Eji Nakatsu, one of the fast train’s engineers observed Kingfisher. He was astounded by the fact it made no noise when diving into the water at such speed. Kingfisher inspired the new design for the bullet train. The modification ascended the speed by 10% and decreased electricity usage by 15%.
The Lotus effect
Besides Lotus is one of the most beautiful flowers. It is superhydrophobic in nature which lets them float peacefully on water.
Hence, scientists turned to Lotus to study its superhydrophobic nature. The case study helped scientists to engineer materials become water repellent. Many paints and materials which are water repellent in nature are inspired by Lotus.
Sharkskin & Hospital
Sharks live deep down under the sea along with millions of micro-organisms. Despite this fact, the shark’s skin was found clean having no bacteria. Later the scientists found out, it is due to the skin material of the shark. The small bumps are present on their skin which is not even visible to the eyes. These nature-gifted bumps prevent bacterial growth.
Likewise, in hospitals where an absolute sanitary is very essential. Using cleaning chemicals as anti-bacterial is both injurious to health and the environment. Hence the hospitals started to replace surfaces with a material that mimics shark skin. Those grooves and ridges reduced bacterial spread and growth in hospitals.
Termites and Ventilation
Termites have the most efficient ventilation system. Their mounds remain cool even in the hottest environment. Termites create an intentional network of air pockets in the mold that works like a natural ventilator. These air pockets in the mound follow the rule of convection.
Engineers in Zimbabwe built a huge shopping mall based on this idea of natural convection system. Consequently, the mall uses 10% less electricity than before. As a huge number of Air Conditioners were no more needed.
Also Read: 10 Science Inventions That Changed The World
