Robotic Flies on the Wall 08/13/2010
I'm not sure what is going on, but July and August have been filled with interesting blog posts and articles on the topic of "biomimicry." Biomimicry is a term used to describe something inspired by, or emulating, nature. The topic of biomimicry almost made an appearance in my book as a source of innovation. However, the topic is so broad, and the potential applications so numerous, that it was difficult to put a framework for execution around the concept. In any event, I still think biomimicry is a great source of inspiration and maybe it will make it into the book in the future. In the meantime, check out the links below for some truly interesting ideas inspired by nature. Everything from human hands to the common house fly seem to have inspired someone, somewhere this month.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAVs): Check out the DellFly II which was recently featured on the Fast Company blog. (you can see it in action here) Tiny, robotic crafts such as this one may be the future of espionage. While the thought of using nature-inspired "bugs" for espionage is pretty awesome, the thought of this technology getting into the hands of the average consumer is, well, creepy.
Robotic Insects: BusinessWeek recently profiled Rob Wood, an engineering professor at Harvard, who is working on mechanical insects. While the suggestion of espionage arises, Wood seems focused on using these robo-bugs for more noble causes. He is currently working on robotic bees that might be able to help combat the effects of Colony Collapse Disorder.
Blooming Lamps: Patrick Jouin's Bloom.MGX lamp, featured on PSFK, takes design inspiration from blooming flowers. The idea behind the design is that more, or less, light can be diffused depending on the position on the flower-like shade. This idea marries interesting aesthetics with a functional purpose.
Butterflies for Bio-Sensing: PFSK ran a story today about GE being granted money to develop nano-sensors based on the bio-sensing capabilities of butterflies. It is hoped that mimicking the chemical sensors in butterflies will allow a variety of safety organizations to improve early detection of chemical threats.
Robotic Hands: Mimicking the elements of nature for use in prosthetics is nothing new, but Japanese company Squse has taken the idea to a new level. Check out the realistic look and movement of their new prosthetic hand.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAVs): Check out the DellFly II which was recently featured on the Fast Company blog. (you can see it in action here) Tiny, robotic crafts such as this one may be the future of espionage. While the thought of using nature-inspired "bugs" for espionage is pretty awesome, the thought of this technology getting into the hands of the average consumer is, well, creepy.
Robotic Insects: BusinessWeek recently profiled Rob Wood, an engineering professor at Harvard, who is working on mechanical insects. While the suggestion of espionage arises, Wood seems focused on using these robo-bugs for more noble causes. He is currently working on robotic bees that might be able to help combat the effects of Colony Collapse Disorder.
Blooming Lamps: Patrick Jouin's Bloom.MGX lamp, featured on PSFK, takes design inspiration from blooming flowers. The idea behind the design is that more, or less, light can be diffused depending on the position on the flower-like shade. This idea marries interesting aesthetics with a functional purpose.
Butterflies for Bio-Sensing: PFSK ran a story today about GE being granted money to develop nano-sensors based on the bio-sensing capabilities of butterflies. It is hoped that mimicking the chemical sensors in butterflies will allow a variety of safety organizations to improve early detection of chemical threats.
Robotic Hands: Mimicking the elements of nature for use in prosthetics is nothing new, but Japanese company Squse has taken the idea to a new level. Check out the realistic look and movement of their new prosthetic hand.
