NATURAL INNOVATION

Biomimicry is the study of living plants, insects, and animals for the development of engineering ideas. Biomimicry is the study of living organisms in order to draw inspiration for engineering design. Biomimicry is a current science that has been used in the creation of airplanes and ships. The first attempts at flight were to imitate the flight form of a bird. Humans with artificial wings failed in flight, not because the principles or theories were incorrect, but because the flight technologies did not exist at that time to apply the theories. The keel of a sailing boat is based on the fin of a shark. Nature is the actual representation of the highest form of engineering and nature provides perfect examples of what works in application and theory. Sailing ships are currently being produced with vertical wings that create lift, similar to the way that a bird creates lift (except a bird's wings are horizontal). Natural innovation or nature engineered design is based around deep study and immersion in the methods of living organisms. For sailing yachts and motor yachts, fish and marine life have been the model for study in the science of biomimicry. Research scientists at Purdue University in the United States, discovered that the Mantis Shrimp's "dactyl club" is made up of composites. The use of biomimicry is giving structural designers inspiration for the creation and manufacture of vessel hulls with stronger and more resilient materials. Research scientists engaged in the studies of biomimicry, study marine life for better understanding ways to reduce drag, increase lift, and reduce the turbulence of a sea vessel. As technologies advance, the use of biomimicry will become more widespread as the ability to implement theoretical knowledge will become an engineering reality.  Biomimicry is a new science that will advance as greater research is undertaken by individuals and corporations seeking to create "new" applications from their research.