Mimicking Wildlife to Develop New Products

Biomimetics, or the mimicking of biological designs and processes, has been used in the design and development of everything from furniture to spacecraft. Recently, many Japanese manufacturers are placing more emphasis on incorporating biomimetics into their design process. One company has implemented design cues and functional elements learned from dolphins, cats, and birds into appliances like vacuum cleaners, washing machines, and air conditioners. Another company is hoping that it can catch new clients with a new type of fiber inspired by spider thread that is 340 times stronger than steel. Check out this episode to learn more about the amazing concept of biomimetics.