We have recently been looking at novel drilling systems (wood wasps into wood;
locusts into sand) for the European Space Agency, and making scaled up models
using RP from laser-scanned co-ordinates. These are reciprocating rather than
rotating drills. We are also looking at locomotory systems based on fins, and
novel textiles which can change their vapour permeability, based on various
actuation mechanisms in ferns and mosses which allow a change in shape in dead
material using absorption of water in an anisotropic system. We are working
(still!) on how the venus flytrap works (the article in Nature earlier this
year really only scratched the surface of what is happening) and also, of
course, looking at various ways to solve problems using biological rather than
technical solutions.
How much cash would be available for implementing these things in a sufficiently
obvious and robust manner for them to be offered to the public?
Julian
Quoting Emma A C Johnson <[log in to unmask]>:
> Dear All,
>
> Does anyone have any Biomimicry stories they would like to tell at the Eden
> Project? They have provided me with a handful of definite exhibit pieces but
> I am looking for further inspiration and wondered if anyone here had any
> bright ideas brewing that they are really keen to see flourish.
>
> For the benefit of those who have no idea what I am talking about, we
> (University of Exeter) are providing display material, in the form of rapid
> prototyped models as a contribution to a number of Biomimicry exhibits to be
> displayed at the Eden Project's new Education Resource Centre (opens to the
> public August 19th). The key issue from our point of view is that in addition
> to the Biomimicry message, we should demonstrate some of the new tools
> available in the more 'non-traditional' aspects of science and engineering.
> In this case, we are taking MRI / CT scans of plants and insects, and
> creating scaled up, RP models using our own in-house developed software
> (www.simpleware.com) (an unashamedly obvious plug...sorry!)
>
> If anyone has any bright ideas, please feel free to let me know. We need
> something fun and interesting, something that can be scanned using CT or MRI.
> MicroCT is good, small objects can be scanned at 5 microns res.
>
> Please get in touch.
>
> Emma
>
>
>
> -------------
> Ms Emma A C Johnson
> Research Assistant
> School of Engineering, Computer Science & Maths
> Harrison Building
> University of Exeter
> North Park Road
> Exeter EX4 4QF
>
> Tel: 01392 263740
> [log in to unmask]
--
Julian FV Vincent [log in to unmask]
Professor of Biomimetics office 01225 386596
Centre for Biomimetic & Natural Technologies mobile 07941 933901
Dept of Mechanical Engineering fax 01225 386928
The University
BATH BA2 7AY
http://www.bath.ac.uk/Departments/Eng/biomimetics/
I hate quotations. Tell me what you know. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
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