Biomimetics: Biologically Inspired Technologies

Yoseph Bar-Cohen9780849331633, 0-8493-3163-3

Nature is the world’s foremost designer. With billions of years of experience and boasting the most extensive laboratory available, it conducts research in every branch of engineering and science. Nature’s designs and capabilities have always inspired technology, from the use of tongs and tweezers to genetic algorithms and autonomous legged robots. Taking a systems perspective rather than focusing narrowly on materials or chemistry aspects, Biomimetics: Biologically Inspired Technologies examines the field from every angle. The book contains pioneering approaches to biomimetics including a new perspective on the mechanization of cognition and intelligence, as well as defense and attack strategies in nature, their applications, and potential. It surveys the field from modeling to applications and from nano- to macro-scales, beginning with an introduction to principles of using biology to inspire designs as well as biological mechanisms as models for technology. This innovative guide discusses evolutionary robotics; genetic algorithms; molecular machines; multifunctional, biological-, and nano- materials; nastic structures inspired by plants; and functional surfaces in biology. Looking inward at biological systems, the book covers the topics of biomimetic materials, structures, control, cognition, artificial muscles, biosensors that mimic senses, artificial organs, and interfaces between engineered and biological systems. The final chapter contemplates the future of the field and outlines the challenges ahead. Featuring extensive illustrations, including a 32-page full-color insert, Biomimetics: Biologically Inspired Technologies provides unmatched breadth of scope as well as lucid illumination of this promising field.

---

Table of contents :
Front Cover……Page 1
Title Page……Page 4
ISBN 0849331633……Page 5
Abstract……Page 6
Editor……Page 8
Acknowledgments……Page 10
Contributors……Page 14
Contents……Page 18
1. Introduction to Biomimetics: The Wealth of Inventions in Nature as an Inspiration for Human Innovation……Page 20
2. Biological Mechanisms as Models for Mimicking: Sarcomere Design, Arrangement and Muscle Function……Page 60
3. Mechanization of Cognition……Page 76
4. Evolutionary Robotics and Open-Ended Design Automation……Page 148
5. Genetic Algorithms: Mimicking Evolution and Natural Selection in Optimization Models……Page 176
6. Robotic Biomimesis of Intelligent Mobility, Manipulation, and Expression……Page 196
7. Bio-Nanorobotics: A Field Inspired by Nature……Page 220
8. Molecular Design of Biological and Nano-Materials……Page 248
9. Engineered Muscle Actuators: Cells and Tissues……Page 262
10. Artificial Muscles Using Electroactive Polymers……Page 286
11. Biologically Inspired Optical Systems……Page 310
12. Multifunctional Materials……Page 328
13. Defense and Attack Strategies and Mechanisms in Biology……Page 360
14. Biological Materials in Engineering Mechanisms……Page 384
15. Functional Surfaces in Biology: Mechanisms and Applications……Page 400
16. Biomimetic and Biologically Inspired Control……Page 418
17. Interfacing Microelectronics and the Human Visual System……Page 446
18. Artificial Support and Replacement of Human Organs……Page 468
19. Nastic Structures: The Enacting and Mimicking of Plant Movements……Page 492
20. Biomimetics: Reality, Challenges, and Outlook……Page 514
Index……Page 534