An exploration into the potential for cooperation between biological systems and mechanical design

Abstract

The study of biomimicry is expanding rapidly. Using a recently developed system of the field, 
this article categorizes particular instances of effective technology transfer between biology and 
engineering into two subcategories: biomimetics by analogy and biomimetics through induction. Both 
well-known and less common uses are discussed, such as aviation winglets, an improved straw-bale screw, 
Velcro, self-cleaning surfaces and coatings, and spider studies. General concepts that can be implemented 
by engineers with little background in biology are discussed, and the need of a shared vocabulary between 
biologists and engineers is highlighted, making presentations at varying levels of depth more compatible.