The biomimetics book is a dynamic and collaborative effort to create a collection of resources about biomimetics.
In time the book will contain chapters on different aspects of biomimetics, as well as a FAQ, a knowledge base, and a protocol list.
Since the the evolution of the book is forthgoing and dynamic no more precise projections of content can yet be given.
Frequently Asked Questions about biomimetics.
Below you will find some often heard questions about biomimetics, click on the questions to see the answers.
If you have questions which are not answered, please post them as comments below, and we will try to answer them , and put them in the FAQ.
In short, biomimetics is the application of methods and systems found in nature to the study and design of engineering systems and modern technology.
'Bionics' is along with 'biomimicry' and 'biologically inspired design' synonymous with biomimetics.
However, bionics in the english speaking world normally refers to something more specific, namely; the replacement or enhancement of organs or other body parts by mechanical versions.
Bionic implants differ from mere prostheses by mimicking the original function very closely, or even surpassing it.
In other countries, and especially German speaking ones (bionik), the word bionics covers the exact same meaning as biomimetics (is used insead of biomimetics).
Probably, the most famous example of biomimetics is Velcro.
In 1948, the Swiss engineer George de Mestral was cleaning his dog of burrs picked up on a walk,instead of being annoyed, he had a further look at things under his microscope.
He then realized how the hooks of the burrs clung to the fur. This gave him the idea to recreate the some mechanism artificially, thus we have Velcro.