Table of Contents

biomimicry + biomimetics

'Biomimicry (from bios, meaning life, and mimesis, meaning to imitate) is a new science that studies nature's best ideas and then imitates these designs and processes to solve human problems. Studying a leaf to invent a better solar cell is an example. I think of it as “innovation inspired by nature.”'' Janine Benyus

projects

Robots inspired by animals

design / problem solving

links//reading

videos / / lectures // random notes

Janine Benyus

Biomimicry Explained

“Janine Benyus describes how biomimicry works, pointing to its origins in early human history. She explains how and why western industrial nations are only now rediscovering the profound implications that biomimicry has for the future of design. She then highlights examples that illustrate how biomimicry has led to the creation of world famous buildings and other innovations.” [4:17]

http://www.bigpicture.tv/videos/watch/45fbc6d3e

Biomimetic Design, 3parts ~5mins each

Robots inspired by animals

Plant time lapses

Hylozoic kinetic sculpture

weaver bird

bird singing: Dawn Chorus by Marcus Coates

Spider silk

plant motion

“Nastic movements are plant movements that occur in response to environmental stimuli but unlike tropic movements, the direction of the response is not dependent on the direction of the stimulus. Some of the most spectacular plant movements are nastic movements. These include the closing of the carnivorous Venus Flytrap leaf when it captures prey or the folding of the mimosa leaf when it is disturbed.” http://plantsinmotion.bio.indiana.edu/plantmotion/movements/nastic/nastic.html

Evolutionary Robotics, Artificial Life, Project GroWorld, viridian green