This topic emerged through a screening of emerging issues in science, technology and society in the context of the FET CSA OBSERVE.

http://www.horizon-observatory.eu/radar-en/index.php

The big picture

An increasing number of technologies are inspired by biological functions and solutions. One driver of the new momentum for biomimicry is the advance in simulation and freeform manufacturing (3D printing). Current examples of cutting edge biomimicry innovations include smell-guided-navigation, jellyfish inspired locomotion, insect-inspired robot design (vision and movement) and research into animal system behaviour (e.g. ants) that could help us develop the internet – or even understand how cancer spreads. Furthermore, biological principles and characteristics could be used for better computing. There are already many attempts to emulate biological systems in order to enhance computer chip performance or binary communication processes as well as bioinspired parallel and neuromorph computing. In the 2015 Lift China Conference there was a focus in biomimicry as the next generation sustainability concept.

Selected voices

https://royalsociety.org/events/2015/05/bioinspiration-of-new-technologies/

http://www.theengineer.co.uk/manufacturing/forces-of-nature-biomimicry-in-robotics/1020683.article?utm_content=buffer5b569&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20150625-decoding-the-internet-of-ants?ocid=twfut

http://motherboard.vice.com/read/this-turbo-powered-jellyfish-relative-could-inspire-submarines-of-the-future-235135161?utm_source=mbtwitter

http://www.theverge.com/2015/7/30/9070591/robot-jump-water-insect-small-no-splash#