Biomimetics, the practice of advancing technology by mimicking the unique structures and functions of organisms found in nature, has a long history. The field is becoming more prominent as technology advances, and its applications are expanding to include shark-scale swimwear, waterproof glass, and more.
Everything in nature has evolved into shapes that serve a specific purpose. The streamlined body of a fish is the easiest example to recognize. Their streamlined bodies reduce drag in the water, allowing them to swim faster. The scales on a fish’s body also reduce drag, allowing it to swim faster. The various forms that have evolved in nature are the result of millions of years of optimization for their environment. The structures and functions of these organisms are not just for their own survival, but can provide important clues to solving the problems we face.
For example, in 1980, NASA researcher Brian M. Walsh discovered that sharks have tiny bumps on their scales that reduce the resistance of the water, allowing them to swim faster. This unique scale structure allows sharks to move at incredible speeds in the water. In the 2000 Sydney Olympics, many athletes competed in shark-scale swimsuits, which have tiny bumps on the surface like shark scales. One of them, Ian James Thorpe, won three gold medals. This is a prime example of how effective nature-inspired design can be.
While biomimicry may seem like a recent development, the practice of designing tools and machines inspired by nature has been around for a long time. Ancient swords and arrowheads were modeled after the sharp claws or teeth of animals, and shields used in warfare resembled the shells of turtles. These examples show that humans have a long history of observing nature and developing tools inspired by it. Even in modern times, this biomimetic engineering has been used in many fields, most notably the hook and loop fastener, which is commonly used in clothing. It was invented by Swiss engineer Georges de Mestral, who saw thistle seeds stuck to his clothes while traveling in the mountains. The unique structures and functions of living things are playing an increasingly important role in our daily lives.
So why has biomimetic engineering gained so much attention in recent years? One reason is advances in technology. Advances in technology have made it much clearer to analyze the characteristics of the life around us and easier to apply them. For example, it used to be difficult to simulate the structure of complex organisms, but thanks to advances in high-resolution imaging and nanotechnology, we can now accurately recreate the structure of microscopic organisms. One example is a shark-scale swimsuit, another is a lotus petal. The surface of a lotus petal is covered with very fine bumps and has a slight waxy substance that prevents it from getting wet. Also, when water runs over the leaf, the petal itself doesn’t get wet, so the dirt on the surface is washed away with the water, so it always stays clean. Research is underway to apply this technology to waterproof glass, waterproof paint, and other materials that automatically wash away dirt when water comes in contact with them.
Another reason is that it’s relatively easy to find solutions. Recent advances in technology have led to the development of tiny flying machines, and conventional engines don’t work well for them. However, by studying the way insects fly, we can expect to improve their flight capabilities, as well as their ability to change speed and direction at will. These examples show that biomimetics is not just about mimicking nature, it’s about advancing the solutions that nature provides.
Biomimetics may seem easy at first glance, in that it mimics the natural world around us to make progress. However, it requires a clear sense of purpose and constant observation, as we need to discover and adapt the desired behavior from the myriad of life forms around us. This is what biomimicry is all about: extracting the information we want from organisms that have evolved over billions of years, and then actually technologizing and developing it further. There are endless lessons to be learned from the evolution of life, and translating them into technology to improve human life is something we should continue to pursue.
