Biomedical Engineering Inspired by Nature: Biomimetics

Abstract

In Biomimetics, one studies how nature, building atom by atom, i.e., through bottom-up manufacturing, through eons of evolution of life, developed materials, structures, processes and intelligence to inspire and improve the engineering and design of artificial materials, man-made structures and processes (e.g., software). Human manufacturing technology works in the opposite direction, i.e., it builds topdown; in most current manufacturing we tend to start with larger building blocks and use stiff materials (e.g., Si or stainless steel), whereas nature prefers small building blocks and mostly soft, low Young’s modulus materials (e.g., muscle or skin).

Throughout history, Biomimetics has been attempted but often with less-than-satisfactory results. Bird flight, for example, did not lead to aircraft, but mathematical expressions from aerodynamics did. As a consequence, from the middle of the eighteenth century to about 30 years ago, engineers were tempted to engineer around nature’s obstacles rather than be inspired by nature itself. Today though, in fields ranging from artificial intelligence to MEMS, NEMS and smart materials, the perceived advantages of bottom-up designs and manufacturing are convincing many scientists to research natural, Biomimetic approaches and manufacturing methods. In this lecture we sample examples of Biomimetics in design, materials and engineering.