Biomimetics, simply, is the use of nature-inspired technologies and range from the use of fins for swimming to sensory-enhancing microchips used to interface with the brain to assist in hearing, seeing, and controlling instruments. This collection of 20 papers presented by Bar-Cohen (a senior research scientist and group supervisor, Advanced Technologies, at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory) demonstrates the range and applicability of biomimetics, offering discussion of such diverse topics as the mechanization of cognition, mimicking evolution and natural selection in optimization models, bio- nanorobotics, engineered muscle actuators, biologically inspired optical systems, multifunctional materials, defense and attack strategies and mechanisms in biology, biological materials in engineering mechanism, functional surfaces in biology, biomimetic and biologically inspired control, interfacing microelectronics and the human visual system, artificial support and replacement of human organs, and the enacting and mimicking of plant movements. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Nature is the world's foremost designer. With billions of years of experience and boasting the most extensive laboratory available, it conducts research in every branch of engineering and science. Nature's designs and capabilities have always inspired technology, from the use of tongs and tweezers to genetic algorithms and autonomous legged robots. Taking a systems perspective rather than focusing narrowly on materials or chemistry aspects, Biomimetics: Biologically Inspired Technologies examines the field from every angle.
The book contains pioneering approaches to biomimetics including a new perspective on the mechanization of cognition and intelligence, as well as defense and attack strategies in nature, their applications, and potential. It surveys the field from modeling to applications and from nano- to macro-scales, beginning with an introduction to principles of using biology to inspire designs as well as biological mechanisms as models for technology.
This innovative guide discusses evolutionary robotics; genetic algorithms; molecular machines; multifunctional, biological-, and nano- materials; nastic structures inspired by plants; and functional surfaces in biology. Looking inward at biological systems, the book covers the topics of biomimetic materials, structures, control, cognition, artificial muscles, biosensors that mimic senses, artificial organs, and interfaces between engineered and biological systems. The final chapter contemplates the future of the field and outlines the challenges ahead.
Featuring extensive illustrations, including a 32-page full-color insert, Biomimetics: Biologically Inspired Technologies provides unmatched breadth of scope as well as lucid illumination of this promising field.
