Biomimicry
This blog was inspired by Project Green Challenge 2020
Biomimicry is when new innovation, such as systems, models, are inspired by the nature around us. As it turns out, a lot of our solutions already exist in nature. There are lots of biomimicry creations stemming from our insects like, you guessed it, bees! As you may already know, bees are very structured creatures, in their roles, hives, lifestyle, everything! We could sure learn something from them, and it turns out scientists and researchers actually do. A lot of eco-friendly and sustainable innovation is modelled after nature, to repair the damage we have done and are still doing, we have to look towards nature and the solutions it already provides us to fix our mishaps and mistreatment towards nature.
But, what are some examples of ‘biomimicry’? Here are a few recent innovations that were inspired by these lovely animals:
1. Robo-bee
Researchers led by a Harvard University team have made a 175-milligram robot who’s wings are inspired by insects (like bees). These wings let it fly in the air or swim in shallow waters! The wings can both flap and paddle to move about. Like insects, it can’t fly when wet but it can dry itself down on the ground. A;though it isn’t fully up and running yet, in a few years we will be seeing small robo-bees flying over the ocean!
2. Efficient wind turbines
Wind turbines are well known alternatives to fossil fuels and other unsustainable energy systems. But, they only work when there is enough wind, in countries like the Netherlands this is not an issue because it is always so windy! But in less-windy areas this is an issue. But, scientist have managed to create turbines that are 35% more efficient! How, by looking at the wings of bees of course! (who knew how amazing the wings of these critters are huh!) If these turbine blades are produced on a larger scale than wind energy will be a better alternative to fossil fuels soon, helpful for the bees and us.
From these examples we see how not only are bees important for pollination, but for our growth in technology and our understanding of the world and science. Have you ever been inspired by nature? Maybe you and I could learn a thing or two from these intellectual, winged, flower-lovers.
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