5 technologies created by people inspired by nature

Nature not only provides us with life in the form of food, biological development, providing various features, rewarding us with its unique gifts. Her creations are often a source of inspiration for the creators of something new. In addition, many of its gifts help humans to create useful things, which are later used in everyday life. Here are 5 top inventions that were created by people inspired by nature.

Superglue

To create a substance characterised by extreme stickiness, a scientist spent a long time studying geckos. After learning about the geckos, he succeeded in discovering that the geckos have special hairs on their legs which can only be observed under a microscope.

The hairs are used by geckos to cling firmly to any hard surface. Their body structure makes it look as if the lizard is completely glued to the surface. A scientist came up with the idea of simulating a similar adhesion, but using elastomers or special polymers. They are elastic and viscous. That’s why superglue sticks to a rigid surface in this way.

The black box

The idea of the black box was born after careful observation of a woodpecker. The trick is that the bird spends all day essentially banging its head against a tree. In doing so, the brain is ruled out for damage or disturbance.

This is explained by the fact that woodpeckers have a whole system of absorbing mechanisms. They level out the damage sustained during the bird’s “work”. This was the inspiration for scientists who came up with a device to record the flight parameters of an aircraft. Even if the flying vehicle is damaged, the black box remains intact.

Robotic arm

The utility of the robotic arm can be seen in many different applications of this device. Moreover, many industries use this principle for their convenience.

Interestingly, the idea of such a mechanism originated with elephants, and more specifically their trunks. Thanks to it, animals are able to grasp objects of different sizes, lift different loads and perform different tasks. This gave rise to the idea of creating a similar useful device.

X-ray

X-rays act as one of the most important ways to study the body in medicine. Despite some of the harm it can cause (radiation), it can detect internal body problems.

It was developed by specialists inspired by the example of the lobster. Large sea crayfish are distinguished by their ability to see through objects. Out of the lack of standard orientation mechanisms at depth, nature has endowed them with this ability.

Kevlar

Kevlar is a material used to enhance the protective qualities of body armour and other similar inventions. It is indispensable for creating armour that can save lives on the battlefield.

The prototype of kevlar is the web that spiders are so adept at weaving. It is also the process in nature that gave rise to the idea of an elastic bandage for use in various injuries.