Scientists and engineers are looking to nature for inspiration when creating new technology in response to human-caused climate change. Evripidis Gkanias, a researcher at the University of Edinburgh, thinks that natural solutions—which have developed over billions of years—are more resilient than those made by humans. Numerous nature-based technologies that offer promise for innovation have emerged this year.
Compass that Simulates Insect Eyes
The ocular structures of some insects, such ants and bees, have been successfully mimicked by researchers to produce a compass that can determine where the sun is in the sky. This insect-inspired compass uses the polarization and intensity of sunlight as a reference point, as opposed to conventional compasses that rely on Earth's magnetic field. The current prototype exhibits satisfactory functionality and has the potential to be refined into a lightweight and compact device.
Spider Web-Style Fabric for Collecting Water
The ability to gather drinking water from morning mist through fabric modeled after the silky strands of spider webs could be important in areas where water is scarce. The synthetic strands imitate the complex web structure of the spider, which permits the movement and accumulation of water droplets. This fabric has potential applications in solving water scarcity once it is mass-produced.
Expandable Robot Powered by Heat or Light
Researchers have created an inflatable robot that, like vines creeping across a wall or the forest floor, extends in the direction of light or heat. Instead of requiring expensive electronics, this tubular robot can travel on its own by employing pouches filled with fluid. These robots are intended to be used in the future to extinguish fires in places where embers are still burning.
"Electronic Kombucha" by Slimy Mats
Researchers have discovered a method for producing printed electrical circuits out of the slimy mats that are left over after kombucha tea ferments. These "kombucha electronics" are biodegradable, environmentally friendly, and safe to submerge in water. They are possible candidates for wearable technology applications like step-trackers and heart monitors due to their flexibility and lightweight design.
In brief:
When creating novel technology, scientists and engineers are drawing inspiration from the natural world. These nature-based technologies, which range from cloth inspired by spider webs to compasses that resemble bug eyes, have the potential to address a number of issues. The various ways that nature may influence technology are further demonstrated via the employment of pangolin-inspired robots for medical applications and slimy kombucha mats for printable circuitry.
FAQs
What spurred the development of these novel technologies?
These emerging technologies draw inspiration from the natural world, including vines, kombucha mats, pangolins, spider webs, and insect eyes.
What are the social benefits of these technologies?
Numerous issues, including wearable technology, fire suppression, navigation, water scarcity, and medicinal applications, could be resolved by these technologies. They provide creative fixes that can enhance people's quality of life.
Do these technologies derived from nature have any limitations?
Although these technologies are promising, there are still issues to be resolved, including those related to mass production, agility, heat resistance, and durability. To reach their full potential, more study and advancement are required.
