Title: Biomimetics: innovations and robotics

Authors: Maki K. Habib

Addresses: School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt

Abstract: This paper introduces biomimetics as an emerging discipline that studies and examines nature, its models, elements, processes, systems, structures, mechanisms, etc. to take inspiration from, or emulate, nature|s best biological ideas in order to solve scientific and engineering problems. Biomimetics incorporates materials, concepts and techniques drawn from naturally made substances, and resembles the aspiration of biological systems in structure, mechanism and/or function. Biologically inspired approaches will create new reality with great potential. It has been utilised to advance the development of innovative robotics through the integration of bioinspired ideas and solutions into engineered systems. However, engineering such biomimetic intelligent creatures was hampered by physical limitations and technological constraint, and it is still a challenge. This paper provides the importance and underlines the potential of biomimetics as an interdisciplinary field, as well as introduces and discusses scientific ideas and directions of research activities in the field. The paper presents key development in the field of biomimetic robots.

Keywords: bionics; biomimetics; biomimicry; bioinspiration; robotics; sensors; mechatronics; innovation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMS.2011.039263

International Journal of Mechatronics and Manufacturing Systems, 2011 Vol.4 No.2, pp.113 - 134

Published online: 07 Mar 2015 *

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