biomimicry

  • A manta ray swims through deep blue water while surrounded by small fish.
    robots ,

    Manta ray robots break speedy swimming record

    Researchers have taken inspiration from manta rays to create the fastest swimming robot yet.
  • A plastic bottle floats in water.
    biomimicry

    Mussels inspire sticky way to clean up plastic waste

    Researchers have bioengineered mussel-inspired sticky microorganisms to help break down plastic waste.
  • An x-shaped robot severs one of its own "limbs" after its trapped under a fallen brick.
    robots

    Robot cuts off its own limb to keep moving

    A new soft robot takes inspiration from lizards, crabs, and other animals who shed parts of themselves in order to survive.
  • A giant clam sits on coral with its opening showing a bright blue interior.
    biomimicry

    Giant clams could inspire better solar power systems

    "The truth is that clams are more efficient at solar energy conversion than any existing solar panel technology."
  • Transparent salps band together to swim through deep blue water.
    locomotion

    Jelly sea creature ‘jet propulsion’ could give robots a boost

    Gelatinous sea animals that swim through the ocean in giant corkscrew shapes could inspire new designs for efficient underwater vehicles.
  • A shark swims through deep blue water.
    biomimicry

    Shark skin inspiration could lead to better sonar arrays

    A textured surface that mimics shark skin could make underwater instruments more effective and environmentally friendly.
  • A robot fish swims through water thanks to the new artificial muscles.
    biomimicry

    Better fake muscles give robot fish real kick

    A new version of artificial muscles for robots and other applications offers several advantages over previous technologies, researchers say.
  • A red metal ant sculpture in a front yard.
    ants

    Ant survival secret inspires way to get materials to work together

    Survival strategies used by fire ants may pave the way to revolutionize robotics, medicine, and more, researchers report.
  • A greater blue-ringed octopus moves through ocean water.
    biomimicry

    Sneaky color-changing octopus inspires deception tech

    An octopus that can change the size and color of skin patterns has inspired deception technology for use in the military, medicine, robotics, and more.
  • bluebird on wire
    biomimicry

    Material mimics structures that make bluebirds blue

    A new material replicates the structure responsible for the blue feathers of eastern bluebirds and other songbirds. It could be used in batteries or filtration.
  • Rows of wood beams covered in mussels on a beach at low tide.
    biomimicry

    Mussel strength may inspire new medical implants

    Unlocking the secret of what makes mussels so strong may lead to medical advances in bio-implants, wearable sensors, and more.
  • worm-like animal on leaf
    biomimicry

    Velvet worm shoots slime that stiffens in mid-air

    The projectile slime of the velvet worm could inspire sustainable synthetic materials, say researchers.