Technology meets nature
Plants, animals, and microorganisms inspire technological innovations
What is bionics?
Over millions of years, nature has developed efficient, sustainable, and adaptable solutions to nearly every challenge. Drawing on principles from the natural world, it inspires the creation of novel products and innovative solutions for the technologies of tomorrow.
From energy-efficient architecture and flexible robotics to high-tech materials in medical engineering, the possibilities span across all fields.
The body shape of diving birds has been optimized throughout evolution for drag reduction, resulting in increased efficiency, a principle that can be applied bionically to technical flow systems.
Bionic Strategies
Bottom-up approach
Based on biological systems, their functions are analyzed, abstracted, and applied to technical challenges.
→ Biology as a Starting Point
Top-down approach
Beginning with a technical challenge, suitable biological models that perform similar functions are identified.
→ Technology as a Starting Point
Bionics in practice – selected examples
- Shark skin: Whether in water or air, the shark skin principle helps reduce energy and fuel consumption.
- Honeycombs: Lightweight construction with strong structural integrity, modeled after the natural geometry of honeycomb cells.
- Velcro: Inspired by burdock seeds that latch onto fur, this invention dates back to 1951.
LET’S WORK!
Applied Bionics
Technology meets nature
We don’t view nature as a blueprint to be copied, but as a toolbox we can translate into technology.