Biomimetics and Education in Europe: Challenges, Opportunities, and Variety

Abstract

Biomimetics is an interdisciplinary field of science that deals with the analysis and systematic transfer of biological insights into technical applications. Moreover, the development of biomimetic products helps to improve our understanding of biological concept generators (reverse biomimetics). What does this mean for the education of kindergarten children, pupils, students, teachers, and others interested in biomimetics? The challenge of biomimetics is to have a solid knowledge base in the scientific disciplines involved and the competency to be open-minded enough to develop innovative solutions. This apparently contradictory combination ensures the transfer of knowledge from biology to engineering and vice versa on the basis of a common language that is perfectly understandable to everyone, e.g., the language of models, algorithms, and complete mathematical formulations. The opportunity within biomimetics is its ability to arouse student interest in technology via the fascination inherent in biological solutions and to awaken enthusiasm for living nature via the understanding of technology. Collaboration in working groups promotes professional, social, and personal skills. The variety of biomimetics is mirrored by the large number of educational modules developed with respect to existing biomimetic products and methods.

Paleomimetics: A Conceptual Framework for a Biomimetic Design Inspired by Fossils and Evolutionary Processes

“…Biomimetic processes can lead to successful transfers and unique applications, but the development of biomimetic products also helps to improve the understanding of biological models, their bauplans, and evolutionary processes. In this context, the extracted functional principles and abstracted models of extinct species (which often can include 3D reconstruction and finite element analysis) are repeatedly evaluated, enhancing their knowledge [ 10 ].This process is referred to as ‘reverse biomimetics’ and can be conceived as an interactive spiral, in which the results achieved during biomimetic research can lead to a more detailed understanding of extant and extinct organisms, representing the basis for further investigations and eventual new transfers and developments of biomimetic products [ 20 , 65 ]. Biomimetic research can contribute to scientific progress itself, sustaining the advancement of palaeontological knowledge.…”

Plant‐Actuated Micro–Nanorobotics Platforms: Structural Designs, Functional Prospects, and Biomedical Applications

“…After selecting a suitable biological model, the next step is to decipher and translate the functional principles into an engineering‐compatible language. [ 17 ]…”

“…After selecting a suitable biological model, the next step is to decipher and translate the functional principles into an engineering-compatible language. [17] The bottom-up biomimetic approach begins with a promising result of a fundamental biological model that is further implemented in technical aspects. The initial step is to analyze the biomechanical elements and functional morphology, followed by quantitative analysis to better understand applicable structures, shapes, and functions.…”

The Education Pipeline of Biomimetics and Its Challenges

“…Because biomimetics is a superdiscipline, one that integrates multiple traditional disciplines, to advance the practice, formal pedagogies for teaching the unique knowledge, methods, and values of biomimetics must be developed, tested, and taught to practitioners and would-be practitioners of biomimetics [ 7 ]. However, there are still various aspects of biomimetics instruction and pedagogy under investigation: what and whom to teach ([ 8 ]), whom to involve in projects [ 9 , 10 , 11 ], which resources, tools, and methods to include in teaching and implementing biomimetics [ 7 , 12 , 13 ], and when and how to offer learning opportunities [ 2 , 8 ]. Additionally, the key concepts of educational programs need to be clarified, e.g., the effectiveness of knowledge translation and transfer of biology to design.…”