BioInspired! So What? Now What!

Living organisms provide inspiration for innovations in many different fields and for entirely different reasons. Engineered biomimicry takes ideas and concepts from nature and implementing them in different fields of science, ranging from engineering to computing, aiming at the development of novel devices with desirable functionalities. Like any mimicked organism or natural functionality, this evolving field is highly multidisciplinary in nature, and embraces aspects related to physics, materials science, nanotechnology, biology, neuroscience, chemistry, mechanical properties, computing and control, design integration, optimization, multifunctionality, and cost effectiveness.

Bioinspiration, biomimetics, and bioreplication are three words that have entered the engineering lexicon during the last decade, due to broad technological advances that allow us to approach the sophistication of biological systems. Bioinspired engineering is the production of a natural outcome of a biological activity: e.g., the concept of flying machines was inspired by the flight of birds. Biomimetic engineering is the reproduction of a natural functionality by copying certain physical and chemical attributes of an organism, as exemplified by a comparison of Velcro with burrs produced by certain plants. Bioreplication, the reproduction of natural devices, is nowadays emerging as, for instance, certain researchers seek to reproduce structural colors by directly replicating the iridescent wings of butterflies.

The fourth edition of this conference welcomes contributions from industry, academia and government research organizations. Topics of interest cover any relevant aspects of engineered biomimicry, from theoretical considerations, production, and characterization to practical applications.

Topics include, but are not limited to:

• adhesion
• superhydrophobicity and self-cleaning
• photonic devices
• biomaterials and composite materials
• detection/sensor systems
• electronic noses and tongues
• energy and resource efficiency
• medical, biomedical, and pharmaceutical applications
• locomotion
• robotics
• aerodynamics
• ultralightweight structures
• neuromorphic devices and systems
• nano and microfluidics, rheology
• high-strength membranes
• visual systems
• miniature devices
• multifunctional devices
• architecture
• communications and informatics.

The conference will include several invited talks, contributed talks, and posters. It will also feature a panel discussion jointly organized by SPIE and the San Diego Zoo’s Center for Bioinspiration.

As many as 50 attendees will be invited to experience a one-hour special immersion session on nature-inspired innovation. This immersion session will feature experts from the San Diego Zoo.