Biomimetics: when copying nature is the best innovation

Biomimetics is innovation inspired by nature. Natura has almost 4 billion years of experience and the most unique solutions to solve problems. Why not learn from it?

Biomimetics: from the Greek bios (life) and mimesis (imitation). It seems simple, but you have to train your gaze, observe and understand nature to create. It is not about mastering it, but about respecting it, learning from it, and then applying it to modern problems.

Considered relatively new, the practice of biomimetics is ancestral, after all, nature has undergone the process of trial and error for millions of years, it would be a waste not to use this knowledge!

A known example of biomimetics is Velcro. Its creator noted that burrs stuck in his pants, put them under the microscope and watched the mechanism that made them cling to their clothes. He copied the structure into plastic and nylon and so his invention was born.

The inspiration and the biomimetic innovation: velcro.

Scientists at Stanford University have been inspired by pomegranates to develop a new generation of lighter, more durable lithium-ion batteries.

Battery operation inspired by the arrangement of pomegranate seeds

Researchers at the University of California created the electronic nose inspired by the operation of the human nose. It is already used in industries in sensory tests, in the identification of unwanted compounds such as rancidity in butter, for example, and inspection of fish.

Eletronic nose

The designers of PhotoAlquimia created Natura Imitatis collection all inspired by food (for sale here).

By 2030, bioinspired innovations could generate $ 1.6 trillion of GDP worldwide, and companies that use biomimetics in their innovation processes tend to have higher revenues at lower costs than those who do not.

 Do you want to innovate in a sustainable and intelligent way? So always remember to observe the planet, it certainly has already found the way!

References: Portal EcoD, The Guardian, The Week, Wired, eCycle, Fast Company, R7, De Toda Forma, SLAC – Stanford University, Biomimetic-based odor and taste sensing systems to food quality and safety characterization: An overview on basic principles and recent achievements