A Peruvian scientist named Luis Gustavo Lira is building a database of world-wide Biomimetics research projects, past and present. Biomimetics is “the application of methods and systems found in nature to the study and design of engineering systems and modern technology.”
Apparently, nature has a lot to teach us:
Species
Application
Tokay gecko
adhesion
Lily leaf
superhydrophobic surfaces, support structures
Setcreasea
superhydrophobic surfaces, self-cleaning
Red Abalone
ceramic composite nanostructures
Pinctada
ceramic composite nanostructures
Cow bone
ceramic composite nanostructures
Cow Antler
ceramic composite nanostructures
Lotus
superhydrophobic surfaces, self-cleaning
Seed Shrimp
photonics
Sea Mouse
photonics
Morpho rhetenor
photonics
Morpho didius
photonics
Euplectella
photonics
Ophiocoma wendtii
photonics
Brazilian giant horsetail
support structures
Dutch rush
support structures
Dutchman pipe
support structures
Dung bettle
composite nanostructures, non-smooth surfaces
Pangolin squama
composite nanostructures, non-smooth surfaces
Vanessa indica
superhydrophobic surfaces, self-cleaning
Colias erate
superhydrophobic surfaces, self-cleaning
sea slug
perform colonoscopies
Cicada
aerofoils, sensor systems
Arion subfuscus
adhesion
Helix aspersa
adhesion
Hornbeam leaves
deployable structures, folding
Beech leaves
deployable structures, folding
Angler fish
deployables structures
Hummingbird hawk moth
deployables structures
Desmodium gyrans
hydraulic mechanism
Trifolium pratense
hydraulic mechanism
leontodon flower
hydraulic mechanism
mimosa pudica
hydraulic mechanism
venus fly trap
hydraulic mechanism
Arctium minus
adhesion, velcro
cockroach
walking robotics
Hedgehog spines
shock absorbers
Locust ovipositor
mini-excavator
Wasp ovipositors
mini-drills
Insect cuticle
fibrous nanocomposite
This is just a small sample.