Nature’s Designs Drive Today’s Technology
Humans have been the best copyists that the world has ever seen. Almost every invention that man has come up with is inspired by nature, or straight away copied from it. But that has not stopped a man from exploring nature and marveling at creation. Even today, with technology being this advanced, humans still turn to nature for ideas.
There are many reasons as to why this happens. Though humans have come up with some amazing ideas and inventions, we are not stellar examples of adapting to our environments. In fact, we make sure that our environment adapts to us. Animals, on the other hand, work with nature and make sure that they co-exist. And so frankly, we are yet to learn even the basics from animals.
Especially when coming to the field of engineering and mobility, animals have always had an upper hand on things. Animals know how to be the best mobile and how to take care of its needs other than being dependent on external sources. And this is a kind of technology that is not just cool to have, but something that is a must-have.
Inspired By Nature
But, what have we come up today based on nature? First, a rip-off. The Cheetah 3 is a robot that was developed at Kim’s lab, which serves its purpose of being able to move around in dangerous terrains that are otherwise inaccessible to humans. This particular robot is inspired by mother nature’s own Ferrari, the cheetah. The robot shares its reflex movements and is equipped with the intelligence to leap over obstacles at high speeds.
This robot, in particular, does not rely on its sensors or cameras, and so the chances of the robot screwing up are very less, and the robot is also better equipped to have a better intuitive knowledge of its environment.
Futuristic Designs
If the Cheetah 3 is about engineering and mechanics, then this next robot is about material engineering. And this time, we have copied the shark’s capability to move about without growing algae and barnacles on their sides. But, how do these creatures do this? When examining the patterns in a shark’s scales, it was discovered that the ribbed, diamond structure of shark’s scales did not allow the growth of algae and barnacles.
This unique, rugged structure was then used not just in ships but was also employed in designing medical instruments built with this topology, that acts as an alternative to harsh chemical cleaners.
There are many, many more examples of how nature helps us humans by looking at designs and adapting to it. One can only wait and see all the new inventions that are going to come our way!
