Inspiring Science Fair Projects Through Biomimetics

Monday, February 13 2012 by eric.ma

Every species, even those that have gone extinct, have notable characteristics that are tested by natural selection. Many of nature's clever devices are made from simple materials manipulated into structures of fantastic complexity, strength, and toughness. Biomimetics is the study of natural designs adapted to solve problems in engineering, materials science, medicine, and other fields. Successful biomimetics projects have the potential to make a useful tools for people.

Max Shepherd uses an understanding of the human body and LEGO a bio-inspired prosthetic arm. This arm uses electric motors and extensive pneumatics almost fully recreates the full range of motion of a real human arm, hand, and fingers. It's adept at gripping and holding various objects.

Mueller, Tom. "Biomimetics." National Geographic (April 2008), 68-91.

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Inspiring Science Fair Projects Through Biomimetics

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