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Biomimetics

Part of the book series: Springer Series in Materials Science ((SSMATERIALS,volume 279))

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Abstract

Biomimetics is derived from the Greek word biomimesis. It means mimicking biology or living nature , or living organisms, and is also called biomimicry. The word biomimetics was coined by polymath Otto Schmitt in 1957, who, in his doctoral research, developed a physical device that mimicked the electrical action of a nerve. Another word often used in Europe and Asia is bionics, coined by Jack Steele of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio in 1960. Bionics combines two words, biology and technology/electronics. It translates to the creation of products, devices, and processes by using materials and processes found in living nature . Bionics today is referred to as robotics and replacement or enhancement of living matter, tissue, body parts, and organs. An example of bionics would be the “bionic man.” Finally, another word used is biognosis, which is defined as the scientific investigation of life.

Look deep into nature and you will understand everything—Albert Einstein.

Nature always tends to act in the simplest way—Bernoulli.

(In nature) Nothing is lacking and nothing is superfluous—Leonardo da Vinci.

Biomimetics research allows derivation of optimal designs benefitting from improvements made during evolution of living nature and efficient use of natural resources in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly (green) manner, we call it “green science and technology”—Bhushan (2012).

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  1. Nanoprobe Laboratory for Bio/Nanotechnology and Biomimetics (NLBB), The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA

    Bharat Bhushan

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Bhushan, B. (2018). Introduction. In: Biomimetics. Springer Series in Materials Science, vol 279. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71676-3_1

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