Roland's Reflection

Reflection

For the past few weeks, biomimetics has shown me alternative ways of solving an engineering challenge. Biomimetics is the study of nature, by using the knowledge within to apply on different engineering application. For example, the concept of using micro hook from the barb to secure or fasten. This concept has brought the world the item Velcro. Velcro is well known in the world; its application has a broad usage ranging from industrial to household usage. Because of this different point of view, challenges can be solved in the most natural and simplistic way. Instead of spending large sums of money on developing an unknown solution, the fact is, the answer might have been in front of our eyes the whole time. Nature always finds its way to counter any obstacles, and the world has been in existence for 4 billion years. Within that period, evolution has brought us many answers but we were not observant enough to spot it. Adopting from the nature will not only save up the cost, but also time needed in research and development. Nowadays, applying biomimetics into technology is the new trend and the results are remarkable.  

In regards to our group project, the team agreed on adopting hedgehog as the study animal. This small creature has a unique way of surviving in the wild. Unlike the porcupine, a hedgehog’s spines or quills are not detachable, and spine of hedgehog is more solid as compared to a porcupine’s. The spine is excellent shock absorber. Hedgehog tends to fall from the trees due to their natural clumsiness. Due to this, evolution had made the spine spring-like and is able to absorb the impact energy from falling.

Biomimetic has taught me not to solely observe things from the appearance, but to spend a longer time and gather more in-depth information as to why they appear to be that way. With that being said, as we study the nature, as an ethical and responsible researcher, we tried our best not to harm the nature and the eco-system. Our way of approach is holistic approach where every single stage is thoroughly evaluated to ensure the sustainability of the environment.

Conclusion, after several weeks on applying biomimetic, it has given me a better insight on innovating a new idea. From a mundane picture of forest, it can now inspire me on how the leaf gathers energy from sun, the vein on the leaf provide efficient distribution of food, and how different cycles of a tree’s lifespan would improve the overall eco-system of the forest.