Nature is the best designer in the world. Inventors and scientists always seek inspiration from the animal world regarding development and innovation. Discover the 10 best animal-inspired inventions that influenced human technology!
1. The Bird That Made Us Learn How to Fly
The Wright brothers were influenced by birds. They studied wing curvature and air pressure differences to create aerodynamics. They built gliders that had wings inspired by those of birds, and finally built a functional aircraft. Without our feathered friends there would be no present day aviation!
2. Sharkskin and Fast Swimsuits
Shark skin is not smooth: it has a rough composition with small scales resembling teeth. This helps reduce drag and prevents bacterial adhesion. Based on this concept, scientists have developed high-tech swimsuits and antibacterial fabrics. These designs have enhanced the performance of athletes, and have even reduced the drag in ships in order to reduce fuel consumption.
3. Sticky Geckos
Geckos attach themselves to surfaces with microscopic setae on their feet that form van der Waals forces. This has inspired the development of dry adhesives: sticky without the stickiness. These innovations have led to the creation of climbing robots, sticky tapes that can stick to anything and even medical bandages.
4. The Sleek Kingfisher
The Shinkansen bullet trains of Japan were once very noisy when leaving the tunnels, producing sonic booms. The solution? The kingfisher’s beak. The train nose was redesigned by engineers based on the body shape of the bird, which reduced noise and increased speed and energy efficiency.
5. Butterfly Wings and Wonderful Screens
The vibrant colors of butterfly wings are not pigment but microscopic structures that manipulate light. Inspired by this, scientists developed ultra-bright, low-energy displays which are used in e-readers and future color changing materials for fashion and security.
6. Spider Silk and Super Strong Materials
Spider silk is not only the strongest fiber but also lighter than steel and cotton. It has inspired the development of bioengineered silk to make bullet proof jackets, surgical instruments and even parachutes. We’re moving towards a future where we are surrounded by clothes that are not only beautiful, but also high quality and durable.
7. Firefly-Inspired LED Efficiency
Fireflies glow consistently and efficiently due to nanostructures in their lamps. Researchers have copied these patterns to produce lights that are more bright and energy conservative. This little creature is not only mesmerizing. Its bioluminescence is being used to create new types of sustainable lighting.
8. The Mosquito’s Painless Bite and Pain Free Needles
Mosquitoes are a nuisance, but their bite is painless, thankfully. Experts studied their needle-resembling mouthparts to develop new kinds of thin syringes that vibrate a certain way, mimicking a mosquitoe bite. The result is less painful injections and needles that may change the future of medical care.
9. Owl Wings and Silent Drones
Owls don’t make much sound when flying because their wings have notched feather edges that prevent the oncoming flow. Based on this idea, other products have been developed to reduce noise, including drones, wind turbines, and even parts of aircrafts that use noise canceling technology. The stealth of these nocturnal hunters is now influencing aviation technology.
10. Termite Mounds and Sustainable Architecture
Termite mounds regulate internal temperature very well through a natural ventilation system. Architects copied this from termites and built structures like the Eastgate Centre in Zimbabwe, which doesn’t need air conditioning. If we learn from termites, cities could develop environmentally friendly structures in the future.
A Perfect Balance of Nature and Human Innovation
Man’s creativity and innovation make these ideas materialize. With the help of technology, inventors and engineers are developing new innovations that will define the future by using the best of nature’s solutions. The combination of biology and engineering creates more sustainable and efficient processes in areas like medicine and transportation.
The Future of Bio-Inspired Innovation
Nature has been coming up with solutions for millions of years: no need to need to reinvent the wheel. Observing the wisdom of animals continues to help scientists break new ground in technology. It’s possible that the next great idea is sitting, swimming or flying right in front of us!
