Nature’s ability to evolve through natural selection, genetic drift, and other mechanisms has become an inspiration to modern (and historic) design choices. This process of designing based on natures problem solving through evolution has been given the name – biomimicry. The Biomimicry Institute, established in 2006, is working towards a future where it is commonplace to “transfer ideas, designs, and strategies from biology to sustainable human systems design.” (https://biomimicry.org/donate/)

The Biomimicry Institute’s catalog website, AskNature (https://asknature.org/), is a free resource with thousands of resources, biological strategies, and inspired ideas that has proven to be a fantastic design starting point for students and professionals.

Jellyfish Robots

1. Aquajellies 2.0

Designed to mimic the tentacle swimming method of jellyfish, the Aquajellies are able to fluidly move through water. The robots use an electrically controlled actuator that moves up and down depending on how much the tentacles need to move. Continued research into swarming capabilities and condition monitoring on a remote device (or phone) is being conducted.