Tuesday 17 may 2022Technological progress is not only born from the roots of human thought or a series of formulas that are so complicated. Sometimes, it is even born from the natural surroundings.
A number of animals that live on earth can inspire researchers to create cutting-edge technology. Through an observation, humans continue to learn the extraordinary things that these animals have.
Starting from aircraft technology, building systems and assistive devices are created thanks to the abilities of animals.
Some of these animals and the technology inspired by these animals are.
1. Bats and SmartCanes
Bats are famous for their nocturnal powers. This ability can sense an object that is around even in dark conditions. Usually, bats will emit high-frequency sonar that can reflect signals on objects that could potentially collide with themselves while flying.
Apparently, this kind of principle is used by humans to create aids for the blind. The device is referred to as a SmartCane which attaches to a white stick. When the wave returns to the device, the wand will vibrate and give the user a hint to get out of the way.
2. Butterfly and Glare-Free Screen
Visually, butterfly wings are beautiful to look at. Sometimes the beauty of butterfly wings even inspires someone to create a masterpiece. However, did you know that butterfly wings have an anti-glare principle even though they have a very thin shape? Through this ability, a number of researchers created a technology on the cellphone screen. In 2015, German researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology made a surprising discovery.
A nanoscopic system adapted from butterfly wings can eliminate most of the reflected light. Research into how this technology is applied to mobile screens is still ongoing. If it succeeds later, you can still see the cellphone screen even in the hot sun, without having to increase the brightness on the cellphone screen which can drain the battery.
3. Termites and Green
Buildings Although classified as harmful animals, termites can actually inspire humans. In Africa, there are many termite mounds that are so large they even exceed human height.
Termites that live in colonies can form a solid place to live. Not only is the shape sturdy, the house of these termites also has a very extraordinary ventilation system.
This proved effective to regulate the temperature inside the large mound. Incredibly, engineers all over the world have studied such systems. Eastgate Center in Harare is the largest shopping and office complex in Zimbabwe.
The building was built on green architectural principles inspired by termite mounds. The building does not have a conventional heating or cooling system but uses a passive system consisting of fans and ventilation to regulate the temperature throughout the year.
4. Sharks and Airplane
Technology There's a reason sharks are such a scary subject in the oceans. Because, he is the most sadistic predator and is known as the king of the ocean. Not only excels in devouring prey, this cold-blooded hunter also has the type of skin that scientists covet.
Apparently, the key to the speed of a shark when chasing prey lies not only in the strength of the fins and tail, but on the surface of their skin called denticles. Denticles are clusters of small, scale-like teeth that stick out through the skin through the epidermis.
A brilliant idea then came from three scientists from the Fraunhofer Society — a German research organization. They developed a special paint that was studied from shark skin.
This paint will later be applied to the surface of the aircraft, so that it can move faster like a shark. This type of shark skin is claimed to reduce resistance when moving.
5. Geckos and Glues
We all know that geckos, lizards or the like have the ability to climb walls. In fact, we often wonder what makes these animals able to do it. The mystery of this gecko's ability has puzzled researchers for thousands of years.
Until finally in 2002, researchers found the answer. As it turns out, there are millions of tiny hairs on the legs of the gecko called setae. These setae help geckos and other similar animals to generate weak short-range electrostatic forces known as van der Waal's forces.
Then, three outstanding graduates from the University of Massachusetts Amherst created a super-adhesive inspired by the mechanics of the gecko's feet. It can even stick to the wall while holding loads of up to 317 kilograms on smooth surfaces.
These are some of the animals that inspire some of the technology we use.
Lead image from unsplash.
