Biomimetics Collection

Mussel glue threads, SEM
Mussel glue. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the byssus (glue threads) of a common mussel (Mytilus edulis)

Barnacle glue, SEM
Barnacle glue. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a section through the byssus (glue threads) of an acorn barnacle (Elminius modestus)

SCRATCHbot, touch sensitive robot. SCRATCHbot is a robot equipped with touch sensitive feelers designed to mimic a rats whiskers

Imitation honeycomb filling C014 / 0293
Imitation honeycomb filling. Close-up of a acrylic tubes assembled to mimic the honeycomb structure of bee hives. The honeycomb structure offers great strength to weight ratio

Imitation honeycomb C014 / 0294
Imitation honeycomb. Section of material with a design based on the honeycomb structure of bee hives. This structure gives the material great strength whilst keeping its weight to a minimum

Imitation honeycomb filling C014 / 0291
Imitation honeycomb filling. Close-up of a section through acrylic tubes assembled to mimic the honeycomb structure of bee hives. The honeycomb structure offers great strength to weight ratio

Imitation honeycomb filling C014 / 0292
Imitation honeycomb filling. Close-up of a acrylic tubes assembled to mimic the honeycomb structure of bee hives. The honeycomb structure offers great strength to weight ratio

Imitation honeycomb filling C014 / 0290
Imitation honeycomb filling. Top down view of acrylic tubes assembled to mimic the honeycomb structure of bee hives. The honeycomb structure offers great strength to weight ratio

Imitation skin C014 / 0286
Imitation skin. Close-up of the surface of a latex material designed to mimic the look and feel of human skin. The skin is made by SkinBag and is used for fashion clothing and accessories

Iridescence C014 / 0284
Iridescence. Butterfly with iridescent wings on a surface coated with iridescent material. Iridescence is caused by the tiny microstructures of the surface reflecting light in different ways

Artificial mould C014 / 0281
Artificial mould. Close-up of material designed to resemble mould (fungus). This material is used for decorative flocking effects on material surfaces

Shark skin C014 / 0323
Shark skin. Close-up of the skin of a shark, showing the numerous sharply pointed placoid scales, also known as dermal teeth or denticles, which give the fishs skin the feel of sandpaper

Hook and loop fastener C014 / 0321
Hook and loop fastener. Close-up of a hook and loop fastener showing the hooks (right) clinging to the loops (left). These common fasteners were inspired by the prickly burrs used by some plants to

Shark-skin-inspired antibacterial surface. Close-up of Sharklet an antibacterial material whose surface structure was inspired by the microstructures found on the surface of shark skin

Artificial gecko feet adhesive C014 / 0313
Artificial gecko feet adhesive. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) showing the surface of a material that uses a similar structure to that of a geckos foot

Fabric inspired by pine cones C014 / 0308
Fabric inspired by pine cones. Close-up of the surface of a climate-sensitive fabric that reacts to temperature and humidity in a similar manner to that of pines cones

Hydrophobic paint C014 / 0237
Hydrophobic paint. Close-up of a surface coated in paint that repels water (hydrophobic). This paint has been developed by studying and replicating structures found in nature

Hydrophobic paint C014 / 0236
Hydrophobic paint. Close-up of a surface coated in paint that repels water (hydrophobic). This paint has been developed by studying and replicating structures found in nature

Lotus (Nelumbo sp. ) leaf C015 / 6502
Lotus (Nelumbo sp.) leaf. Close-up of water on the leaf of a lotus (Nelumbo sp.) plant, showing its water-repellent properties

Robotic dog being worked on by a researcher. This robot is modelled on a greyhound. Instead of traditional electric motors, it uses pneumatic muscle actuator (PMA) technology

Robotic legs. Researcher mimicking the posture of a pair of robotic legs. Instead of traditional electric motors, the legs use pneumatic muscle actuator (PMA) technology

Gecko robot foot
Synthetic gecko toes. Toes from a robot foot designed to mimic (biomimetics) the foot of a gecko. The robot foot is made of a dry adhesive polymer

SpinybotII climbing robot, scaling a wall. This robot has been designed to mimic (biomimetics) the climbing ability of insects and spiders

Robotic arms. Time exposure image of a researcher mimicking the movements of a pair of robotic arms. Instead of traditional electric motors, the arms use pneumatic muscle actuator (PMA) technology

Sprawlita cockroach robot, running outdoors. Sprawlita is a hexapod (six-legged) robot that mimics (biomimetics) the running ability of cockroaches

Crab locomotion research. Ghost crab (Ocypode quadrata) being released from plastic cup onto a miniature treadmill. The adjustments the crab makes to sudden changes in the speed of the treadmill are

Cockroach locomotion research. Researcher observes a Madagascan giant hissing cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) on miniature obstacle course

Gecko locomotion study. Researcher with a gecko (family Gekkonidae) climbing a non-stick vertical track (blue). A high speed camera is used to monitor the animals locomotion

Cockroach locomotion study. Cockroach (Blaberus discoidalis) attached to a candle, runs over a freely rotating polystyrene ball, known as a kugel

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"Biomimetics: Unlocking Nature's Secrets for Innovative Solutions" Nature has always been a source of inspiration for human innovation, and biomimetics is no exception. Through the study of biological systems, scientists have discovered incredible adaptations that can be replicated to solve complex challenges in various fields. One fascinating example lies within the mussel glue threads, which possess remarkable adhesive properties. By examining these threads under a scanning electron microscope (SEM), researchers have gained insights into their structure and composition, paving the way for developing advanced adhesives with exceptional strength and durability. Similarly, barnacle glue has captivated scientists who have used SEM to unravel its secrets. Understanding how these tiny organisms attach themselves so firmly to surfaces could lead to breakthroughs in creating powerful yet reversible adhesives for various applications. In the realm of robotics, it has given birth to impressive creations like SCRATCHbot - a touch-sensitive robot inspired by geckos' ability to cling effortlessly onto walls. This innovative technology opens doors for robots capable of navigating challenging terrains or assisting in search and rescue missions. Another area where biomimetics shines is material science. The imitation honeycomb fillings labeled C014 / 0293, C014 / 0294, C014 / 0291, C014 / 0292, and C014 / 0290 mimic nature's efficient design found in bee hives. These structures offer lightweight yet robust solutions applicable in industries ranging from aerospace engineering to construction. Furthermore, imitation skin labeled as C014 / 0286 showcases advancements made through biomimetic research. By replicating the texture and elasticity of natural skin using synthetic materials, scientists are making significant strides towards creating prosthetics that closely resemble real human tissue. The mesmerizing iridescence observed on objects labeled as C014 / 0284 demonstrates how studying nature's color-changing mechanisms can inspire innovations in optics and display technologies.