Hasta La Ideas

We’ve written about biomimetics before, with these whale-fin-inspired fan blades and this human-muscle-inspired robot arm, and we’re excited to see the field is continuing to build steam. Janine Benyus, one of the more notable proponents of biomimetics/biomimicry and author of Biomimcry: Innovation Inspired by Nature is releasing her second book on the subject, Nature’s 100 Best Technologies, and developing a web-based Biomimicry Design Portal.

BusinessWeek takes a look at both Benyus and biomimetic influences on design, from a Volvo collision-avoidance system modeled on locust swarms to a Japanese bullet train based on a Kingfisher’s beak. Also be sure to check out their slideshow here.

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