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Biomimetics

Biomimetics is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on biomimicry and bionics, published monthly online by MDPI. The International Society of Bionic Engineering (ISBE) is affiliated with Biomimetics.

Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubMed, PMC, Ei Compendex, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Engineering, Multidisciplinary) / CiteScore - Q2 (Biomedical Engineering)
Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 19.5 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.8 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2024).
Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.

Impact Factor: 3.4 (2023); 5-Year Impact Factor: 3.8 (2023)

Imprint Information Journal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 2313-7673

Latest Articles

27 pages, 6427 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Virtual-Integrated Admittance Control Method of Continuum Robot for Capturing Non-Cooperative Space Targets

by Lihua Wang, Zezhou Sun, Yaobing Wang, Jie Wang and Chuliang Yan

Biomimetics 2025, 10(5), 281; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10050281 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2025

Continuum robots (CRs) are highly effective in grasping moving targets in space through whole-arm grasping (WAG), offering broad applicability and reliable capture. These characteristics make CRs particularly suitable for capturing non-cooperative space targets. Compliant control plays a crucial role in ensuring safe and [...] Read more.

Continuum robots (CRs) are highly effective in grasping moving targets in space through whole-arm grasping (WAG), offering broad applicability and reliable capture. These characteristics make CRs particularly suitable for capturing non-cooperative space targets. Compliant control plays a crucial role in ensuring safe and reliable interactions during the grasping process. This paper proposes a virtual-integrated admittance control (VIAC) method specifically designed to enhance WAG by CRs. By proactively adjusting the robot’s trajectory before contact, the VIAC method effectively reduces the contact force exerted on the target during grasping, enabling compliant capture while preventing target escape and minimizing potential damage. This study first develops a mathematical model of the CR and addresses the inverse dynamics problem. Subsequently, the VIAC method is introduced to regulate contact force and improve grasping performance. This approach integrates virtual forces, derived from position information, with actual contact forces acting on the robot’s links, facilitating trajectory replanning through an admittance controller. The virtual forces, constructed based on improved virtual potential fields, reduce the relative velocities of robot links with respect to the target during the approach, ensuring successful grasping. Simulation results validate the effectiveness of the VIAC method, demonstrating a significant reduction in contact force compared to conventional admittance control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Locomotion and Bioinspired Robotics)

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29 pages, 2036 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Attention-Based Multi-Objective Control for Morphing Aircraft

by Qien Fu and Changyin Sun

Biomimetics 2025, 10(5), 280; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10050280 - 30 Apr 2025

This paper proposes a learning-based joint morphing and flight control framework for avian-inspired morphing aircraft. Firstly, a novel multi-objective multi-phase optimal control problem is formulated to synthesize the comprehensive flight missions, incorporating additional requirements such as fuel consumption, maneuverability, and agility of the [...] Read more.

This paper proposes a learning-based joint morphing and flight control framework for avian-inspired morphing aircraft. Firstly, a novel multi-objective multi-phase optimal control problem is formulated to synthesize the comprehensive flight missions, incorporating additional requirements such as fuel consumption, maneuverability, and agility of the morphing aircraft. Subsequently, an auxiliary problem, employing

ϵ

-constraint and augmented state methods, is introduced to yield a finite and locally Lipschitz continuous value function, which facilitates the construction of a neural network controller. Furthermore, a multi-phase pseudospectral method is derived to discretize the auxiliary problem and formulate the corresponding nonlinear programming problem, where open loop optimal solutions of the multi-task flight mission are generated. Finally, a learning-based feedback controller is established using data from the open loop solutions, where a temporal masked attention mechanism is developed to extract information from sequential data more efficiently. Simulation results demonstrate that the designed attention module in the learning scheme yields a significant 53.5% reduction in test loss compared to the baseline model. Additionally, the proposed learning-based joint morphing and flight controller achieves a 37.6% improvement in average tracking performance over the fixed wing configuration, while also satisfying performance requirements for fuel consumption, maneuverability, and agility. Full article

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31 pages, 555 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advances in Zeroing Neural Networks: Bio-Inspired Structures, Performance Enhancements, and Applications

by Yufei Wang, Cheng Hua and Ameer Hamza Khan

Biomimetics 2025, 10(5), 279; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10050279 - 29 Apr 2025

Zeroing neural networks (ZNN), as a specialized class of bio-Iinspired neural networks, emulate the adaptive mechanisms of biological systems, allowing for continuous adjustments in response to external variations. Compared to traditional numerical methods and common neural networks (such as gradient-based and recurrent neural [...] Read more.

Zeroing neural networks (ZNN), as a specialized class of bio-Iinspired neural networks, emulate the adaptive mechanisms of biological systems, allowing for continuous adjustments in response to external variations. Compared to traditional numerical methods and common neural networks (such as gradient-based and recurrent neural networks), this adaptive capability enables the ZNN to rapidly and accurately solve time-varying problems. By leveraging dynamic zeroing error functions, the ZNN exhibits distinct advantages in addressing complex time-varying challenges, including matrix inversion, nonlinear equation solving, and quadratic optimization. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the evolution of ZNN model formulations, with a particular focus on single-integral and double-integral structures. Additionally, we systematically examine existing nonlinear activation functions, which play a crucial role in determining the convergence speed and noise robustness of ZNN models. Finally, we explore the diverse applications of ZNN models across various domains, including robot path planning, motion control, multi-agent coordination, and chaotic system regulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Inspired Data-Driven Methods and Their Applications in Engineering Control, Optimization and AI)

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23 pages, 5796 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Motion Patterns Under Multiple Constraints and Master–Slave Control of a Serial Modular Biomimetic Robot with 3-DOF Hydraulic Muscle-Driven Continuum Segments

by Yunrui Jia, Zengmeng Zhang, Junhao Guo, Yong Yang and Yongjun Gong

Biomimetics 2025, 10(5), 278; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10050278 - 29 Apr 2025

Soft modular biomimetic robots, driven by flexible actuators, are extensively used in various fields due to their excellent flexibility, environmental adaptability, and isomorphism. However, existing flexible modules typically possess no more than two degrees of freedom for structural limitations. In this study, a [...] Read more.

Soft modular biomimetic robots, driven by flexible actuators, are extensively used in various fields due to their excellent flexibility, environmental adaptability, and isomorphism. However, existing flexible modules typically possess no more than two degrees of freedom for structural limitations. In this study, a three-degree-of-freedom biomimetic segment driven by water hydraulic artificial muscles (WHAMs) and supported by springs was proposed, achieving integrated and modular design. The continuum robot composed of this segment can execute earthworm-, snake-, and elephant trunk-biomimetic motion modes based on operational environmental constraints. During long-distance operational tasks, distinct segments of the continuum robot can adopt varying biomimetic configurations to meet specific requirements. The closed-loop control characteristic tests were conducted on a single segment to evaluate its motion characteristics. The isomorphic master controller was designed based on the motion range of a single segment, with the maximum bending angle deviation between the master controller and biomimetic segment not exceeding 4°, and the system demonstrating favorable stability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Inspired and Biomimetic Intelligence in Robotics: 2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 35038 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vole Foraging-Inspired Dynamic Path Planning of Wheeled Humanoid Robots Under Workshop Slippery Road Conditions

by Hu Li, Yan Wang, Yixuan Guo and Jiawang Duan

Biomimetics 2025, 10(5), 277; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10050277 - 29 Apr 2025

A vole foraging-inspired dynamic path-planning method considering slippery road conditions is proposed for wheeled humanoid robots. Glazed and oily roads create a high risk of slipping for wheeled humanoid robots and hinder the realization of high-speed movement. But in a dynamic environment, road [...] Read more.

A vole foraging-inspired dynamic path-planning method considering slippery road conditions is proposed for wheeled humanoid robots. Glazed and oily roads create a high risk of slipping for wheeled humanoid robots and hinder the realization of high-speed movement. But in a dynamic environment, road conditions such as material, texture, and attachments vary uncertainly in both space and time, and cannot be processed as quickly and easily as moving obstacles. Inspired by the process of voles searching for food, to address this challenge, a slip-risk-assessment method based on time–space decoupling is designed and integrated into a grid-based environmental model. On this basis, the dynamic path-planning model is constructed by combining the cost functions and constraints based on the slip-risk information. A two-level non-periodic cyclical dynamic planning mechanism is proposed based on conditional triggering. It adaptively and cyclically calls the global planning algorithm and the local re-planning algorithm according to the characteristics of environmental changes to autonomously avoid high-slip-risk areas and moving obstacles in real time. The experimental results show the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed planning method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Human–Robot Interaction: 3rd Edition)

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21 pages, 1393 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Protein Corona Paradox: Challenges in Achieving True Biomimetics in Nanomedicines

by Nicole M. Mayordomo, Ane Zatarain-Beraza, Fabio Valerio, Victoria Álvarez-Méndez, Paula Turegano, Lucía Herranz-García, Amaia López de Aguileta, Nicolas Cattani, Ana Álvarez-Alonso and Mónica L. Fanarraga

Biomimetics 2025, 10(5), 276; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10050276 - 29 Apr 2025

Nanoparticles introduced into biological environments rapidly acquire a coating of biomolecules, forming a biocorona that dictates their biological fate. Among these biomolecules, proteins play a key role, but their interaction with nanoparticles during the adsorption process often leads to unfolding and functional loss. [...] Read more.

Nanoparticles introduced into biological environments rapidly acquire a coating of biomolecules, forming a biocorona that dictates their biological fate. Among these biomolecules, proteins play a key role, but their interaction with nanoparticles during the adsorption process often leads to unfolding and functional loss. Evidence suggests that protein denaturation within the biocorona alters cellular recognition, signaling pathways, and immune responses, with significant implications for nanomedicine and nanotoxicology. This review explores the dynamic nature of the protein corona, emphasizing the influence of the local biological milieu on its stability. We synthesize findings from studies examining the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles—such as surface charge, hydrophobicity, and curvature—that contribute to protein structural perturbations. Understanding the factors governing protein stability on nanoparticle surfaces is essential for designing nanomaterials with improved targeting, biocompatibility, and controlled biological interactions. This review underscores the importance of preserving protein conformational integrity in the development of nanoparticles for biomedical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Materials and Bionic Engineering)

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25 pages, 4875 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trends in National R&D Projects on Biomimetics in South Korea

by Hyein Na and Eunhee Kim

Biomimetics 2025, 10(5), 275; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10050275 - 29 Apr 2025

Imitating nature’s mechanisms has enormous potential to improve our lives and tools. Biomimetics emulates nature’s proven patterns and strategies to develop novel solutions widely applied in various fields. This study aims to propose an overall perspective and research direction for innovation using biomimetics. [...] Read more.

Imitating nature’s mechanisms has enormous potential to improve our lives and tools. Biomimetics emulates nature’s proven patterns and strategies to develop novel solutions widely applied in various fields. This study aims to propose an overall perspective and research direction for innovation using biomimetics. Using text network analysis and topic modeling, we analyzed the evolution of 5202 Korean R&D projects in biomimetics. The results indicate significant interdisciplinary collaborations between bioengineering, drug development, polymer chemistry, and robotics. Moreover, biomimetic national R&D has primarily focused on fundamental research and its trends reveal interconnection with topic clusters around intelligent robotics, biomedical engineering, and materials science. This study provides guidelines for governments and R&D organizations to establish biomimetic R&D plans and select convergence topics for innovation. Full article

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20 pages, 4879 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparison of Binary and Integer Encodings in Genetic Algorithms for the Maximum k-Coverage Problem with Various Genetic Operators

by Yoon Choi, Jingeun Kim and Yourim Yoon

Biomimetics 2025, 10(5), 274; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10050274 - 28 Apr 2025

The maximum k-coverage problem (MKCP) is a problem of finding a solution that includes the maximum number of covered rows by selecting k columns from an m

\times

n matrix of 0s and 1s. This is an NP-hard problem that is [...] Read more.

The maximum k-coverage problem (MKCP) is a problem of finding a solution that includes the maximum number of covered rows by selecting k columns from an m

\times

n matrix of 0s and 1s. This is an NP-hard problem that is difficult to solve in a realistic time; therefore, it cannot be solved with a general deterministic algorithm. In this study, genetic algorithms (GAs), an evolutionary arithmetic technique, were used to solve the MKCP. Genetic algorithms (GAs) are meta-heuristic algorithms that create an initial solution group, select two parent solutions from the solution group, apply crossover and repair operations, and replace the generated offspring with the previous parent solution to move to the next generation. Here, to solve the MKCP with binary and integer encoding, genetic algorithms were designed with various crossover and repair operators, and the results of the proposed algorithms were demonstrated using benchmark data from the OR-library. The performances of the GAs with various crossover and repair operators were also compared for each encoding type through experiments. In binary encoding, the combination of uniform crossover and random repair improved the average objective value by up to 3.24% compared to one-point crossover and random repair across the tested instances. The conservative repair method was not suitable for binary encoding compared to the random repair method. In contrast, in integer encoding, the combination of uniform crossover and conservative repair achieved up to 4.47% better average performance than one-point crossover and conservative repair. The conservative repair method was less suitable with one-point crossover operators than the random repair method, but, with uniform crossover, was better. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature-Inspired Metaheuristic Optimization Algorithms 2025)

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27 pages, 3097 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Improved Whale Optimization Algorithm for the Clean Production Transformation of Automotive Body Painting

by Qin Yang, Xinning Li, Teng Yang, Hu Wu and Liwen Zhang

Biomimetics 2025, 10(5), 273; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10050273 - 28 Apr 2025

Research on clean production in automotive painting processes is a core component of achieving green manufacturing, addressing environmental regulatory challenges, and advancing sustainable development in the automotive industry by reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, optimizing resource utilization, and minimizing energy consumption. To [...] Read more.

Research on clean production in automotive painting processes is a core component of achieving green manufacturing, addressing environmental regulatory challenges, and advancing sustainable development in the automotive industry by reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, optimizing resource utilization, and minimizing energy consumption. To reduce pollutants generated by automotive painting processes and improve coating efficiency, this study proposes a clean production method for automotive body painting based on an improved whale optimization algorithm from the perspective of “low-carbon consumption and emission-reduced production”. A multi-level, multi-objective decision-making model is developed by integrating three dimensions of clean production: material flow (optimizing material costs), energy flow (minimizing painting energy consumption), and environmental emission flow (reducing carbon emissions and processing time). The whale optimization algorithm is enhanced through three key modifications: the incorporation of nonlinear convergence factors, elite opposition-based learning, and dynamic parameter self-adaptation, which are then applied to optimize the automotive painting model. Experimental validation using the painting processes of TJ Corporation’s New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) demonstrates the superiority of the proposed algorithm over the MHWOA, WOA-RBF, and WOA-VMD. Results show that the method achieves a 42.1% increase in coating production efficiency, over 98% exhaust gas purification rate, 18.2% average energy-saving improvement, and 17.9% reduction in manufacturing costs. This green transformation of low-carbon emission-reduction infrastructure in painting processes delivers significant economic and social benefits, positioning it as a sustainable solution for the automotive industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Inspired Optimization Algorithms and Designs for Engineering Applications: 3rd Edition)

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26 pages, 6357 KiB

Open AccessReview

Biomimetic Hydrofoil Propulsion: Harnessing the Propulsive Capabilities of Sea Turtles and Penguins for Robotics

by Yayi Shen, Zheming Ding, Xin Wang, Zebing Mao, Zhong Huang and Bai Chen

Biomimetics 2025, 10(5), 272; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10050272 - 28 Apr 2025

This review synthesizes current research on hydrofoil-propelled robots inspired by the swimming mechanisms of sea turtles and penguins. It begins by summarizing the swimming kinematics of these organisms, highlighting their superior aquatic performance as the primary motivation for biomimetic design. Next, established analytical [...] Read more.

This review synthesizes current research on hydrofoil-propelled robots inspired by the swimming mechanisms of sea turtles and penguins. It begins by summarizing the swimming kinematics of these organisms, highlighting their superior aquatic performance as the primary motivation for biomimetic design. Next, established analytical methods for characterizing hydrofoil locomotion patterns are presented, along with a clear delineation of the decoupled motion components exhibited by sea turtle flippers and penguin wings. Such decoupling provides a systematic framework for guiding the design of driving mechanisms. Building on this biomechanical foundation, the review critically examines recent advances in biomimetic flexible hydrofoils that enhance propulsion efficiency through three synergistic mechanisms to enhance thrust generation, while identifying key challenges in material durability and non-linear fluid–structure interactions. The review then surveys existing hydrofoil actuation systems, which commonly reproduce coupled motions with multiple degrees of freedom (DOFs). Finally, representative biomimetic robots are examined: sea turtle-inspired forelimbs typically incorporate three DOFs, whereas penguin-inspired wings usually offer two DOFs. By aligning robotic designs with the decoupled motion patterns of the source organisms, this review offers critical insights to advance the development of hydrofoil propulsion systems for enhanced aquatic performance. Full article

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16 pages, 11768 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biomimetic Design and Validation of an Adaptive Cable-Driven Elbow Exoskeleton Inspired by the Shrimp Shell

by Mengqian Tian, Yishan Liu, Zhiquan Chen, Xingsong Wang, Qi Zhang and Bin Liu

Biomimetics 2025, 10(5), 271; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10050271 - 28 Apr 2025

The application of exoskeleton robots has demonstrated promising effectiveness in promoting the recovery of motor skills in patients with upper limb dysfunction. However, the joint misalignment caused by rigid exoskeletons usually leads to an uncomfortable experience for users. In this work, an adaptive [...] Read more.

The application of exoskeleton robots has demonstrated promising effectiveness in promoting the recovery of motor skills in patients with upper limb dysfunction. However, the joint misalignment caused by rigid exoskeletons usually leads to an uncomfortable experience for users. In this work, an adaptive cable-driven elbow exoskeleton inspired by the structural characteristics of the shrimp shell was developed to facilitate the rehabilitation of the elbow joint and to provide more compliant human-exoskeleton interactions. The exoskeleton was specifically designed for elbow flexion and extension, with a total weight of approximately 0.6 kg. Based on the mechanical design and cable configuration of the exoskeleton, the kinematics and dynamics of driving cables were analyzed. Subsequently, a PID-based control strategy was designed with cable kinematics. To evaluate the practical performance of the proposed exoskeleton in elbow assistance, a prototype was established and experimented with six subjects. According to the experimental results, the measured elbow joint angle trajectory is generally consistent with the desired trajectory, with a mean position tracking accuracy of approximately 0.997, which supports motion stability in rehabilitation scenarios. Meanwhile, the collected sEMG values from biceps brachii and brachioradialis under the exoskeleton condition show a significant reduction in average muscle activation by 37.7% and 28.8%, respectively, compared to the condition without exoskeleton. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bionic Wearable Robotics and Intelligent Assistive Technologies)

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27 pages, 6291 KiB

Open AccessReview

An Investigation into the Structure of Wound-Healing Materials, Chemical Materials, Nature-Based Materials, and Wound Monitoring

by HyeRee Han

Biomimetics 2025, 10(5), 270; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10050270 - 27 Apr 2025

With the recent development of advanced industries, in addition to simple abrasions, the demand for wound dressing is gradually increasing in fields such as diabetes care. Factors affecting wound healing include pH, temperature, genetic factors, stress, smoking, and obesity, and studies on these [...] Read more.

With the recent development of advanced industries, in addition to simple abrasions, the demand for wound dressing is gradually increasing in fields such as diabetes care. Factors affecting wound healing include pH, temperature, genetic factors, stress, smoking, and obesity, and studies on these are also increasing. In addition, studies on hydrogels, electrospun nanofibers, foams, films, plant-based materials, chitosan, gelatin, 3D printing, and chemosensors for wound healing are also increasing. However, although there are many data related to wound healing, there are not many studies that have systematically divided them into structures, materials, and monitoring through a review of the literature. Therefore, based on various studies on wound healing, wound-healing materials were classified into structures (films, foams, gauzes, and electrospun nanofibers), chemical materials, nature-based materials, and monitoring sensors, and a literature review was conducted. Full article

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17 pages, 6360 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Use of Platelet-Rich Fibrin-Coated Three-Dimensionally (3D) Printed Scaffolds in Salvage of Complex Hindfoot Cases

by Ken Meng Tai, Justin Mooteeram and Anand Pillai

Biomimetics 2025, 10(5), 269; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10050269 - 27 Apr 2025

Background: Complex hindfoot pathologies involving critical-sized bone defects of the talus are difficult to manage. The current management involves arthrodesis and bone grafting with the defective talus, which have limitations in restoring structural integrity and functional goals. The advancement of 3D-printed scaffolds has [...] Read more.

Background: Complex hindfoot pathologies involving critical-sized bone defects of the talus are difficult to manage. The current management involves arthrodesis and bone grafting with the defective talus, which have limitations in restoring structural integrity and functional goals. The advancement of 3D-printed scaffolds has opened new avenues to address such complex hindfoot pathologies, which may potentially improve treatment outcomes. The addition of platelet-rich fibrin further enhances healing potential. Method: This is a retrospective study involving six patients with severe talar bone loss secondary to osteomyelitis or avascular necrosis, where 3D-printed scaffolds coated with PRF were implemented in salvage surgery performed from 2023 to 2024. We intended to investigate the clinical outcomes in terms of healing time and union rate. Additionally, we evaluated the degree of deformity corrections and the patients’ clinical outcomes. Results: This study reports six complex reconstructions which achieved CT-confirmed union after a mean duration of 20.2 weeks. All patients were able to ambulate with full weight bearing after an average duration of 23.3 weeks. The patients demonstrated improved radiological parameters, VAS scores from 7.5 ± 1.4 points to 2.3 ± 1.2, and functional scores in all domains for AOFAS, FFI and SF-36. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the benefits of PRF-coated 3D-printed scaffolds in managing complex hindfoot cases, especially in the presence of significant bony defects. This modality has the potential to achieve a good union rate, near-anatomical correction and good functional outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing for Orthopedic Applications)

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21 pages, 2895 KiB

Open AccessArticle

White Shark Optimization for Solving Workshop Layout Optimization Problem

by Bin Guo, Yuanfei Wei, Qifang Luo and Yongquan Zhou

Biomimetics 2025, 10(5), 268; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10050268 - 27 Apr 2025

The workshop is a crucial site for ensuring the smooth operation of production activities within an enterprise, playing a significant role in its long–term development. A well–designed workshop layout can reduce material–handling costs during production and enhance the overall efficiency of the enterprise. [...] Read more.

The workshop is a crucial site for ensuring the smooth operation of production activities within an enterprise, playing a significant role in its long–term development. A well–designed workshop layout can reduce material–handling costs during production and enhance the overall efficiency of the enterprise. This paper establishes a mathematical model for the workshop layout problem, aiming to minimize logistics transportation costs and maximize non–logistics relationships. Using a real–world case study, the White Shark Optimizer (WSO) algorithm is applied to solve the model. The results show that the transportation distance of the layout scheme obtained by the WSO algorithm is reduced by 381 m, 82 m, and 56 m, respectively, compared with the original layout, the Genetic Algorithm (GA), and the Sparrow Search Algorithm (SSA), and the non–logical relationship is increased by 24.84% and 1.6%, respectively. The layout scheme obtained by using the WSO algorithm is more excellent and can effectively improve the production efficiency of enterprises. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimicry for Optimization, Control, and Automation: 3rd Edition)

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34 pages, 13428 KiB

Open AccessReview

Materials and Structures Inspired by Human Heel Pads for Advanced Biomechanical Function

by Zhiqiang Zhuang, Congtian Gu, Shunlin Li, Hu Shen, Ning Liu, Ziwei Li, Dakai Wang, Cong Wang, Linpeng Liu, Kaixian Ba, Bin Yu and Guoliang Ma

Biomimetics 2025, 10(5), 267; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10050267 - 27 Apr 2025

The heel pad, located under the calcaneus of the human foot, is a hidden treasure that has been subjected to harsh mechanical conditions such as impact, vibration, and cyclic loading. This has resulted in a unique compartment structure and material composition, endowed with [...] Read more.

The heel pad, located under the calcaneus of the human foot, is a hidden treasure that has been subjected to harsh mechanical conditions such as impact, vibration, and cyclic loading. This has resulted in a unique compartment structure and material composition, endowed with advanced biomechanical functions including cushioning, vibration reduction, fatigue resistance, and touchdown stability, making it an ideal natural bionic prototype in the field of bionic materials. It has been shown that the highly specialized structure and material composition of the heel pad endows it with biomechanical properties such as hyperelasticity, viscoelasticity, and mechanical anisotropy. These complex biomechanical properties underpin its advanced functions. Although it is known that these properties interact with each other, the detailed influence mechanism remains unclear, which restricts its application as a bionic prototype in the field of bionic materials. Therefore, this study provides a comprehensive review of the structure, materials, biomechanical properties, and functions of the heel pad. It focuses on elucidating the relationships between the structure, materials, biomechanical properties, and functions of heel pads and proposes insights for the study of bionic materials using the heel pad as a bionic prototype. Finally, a research idea to analyze the advanced mechanical properties of heel pads by integrating sophisticated technologies is proposed, aiming to provide directions for further in-depth research on heel pads and inspiration for the innovative design of advanced bionic materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioinspired Engineered Systems)

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20 pages, 2683 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improved Manta Ray Foraging Optimization for PID Control Parameter Tuning in Artillery Stabilization Systems

by Xiuye Wang, Xiang Li, Qinqin Sun, Chenjun Xia and Ye-Hwa Chen

Biomimetics 2025, 10(5), 266; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10050266 - 26 Apr 2025

In this paper, an Improved Manta Ray Foraging Optimization (IMRFO) algorithm is proposed to address the challenge of parameter tuning in traditional PID controllers for artillery stabilization systems. The proposed algorithm introduces chaotic mapping to optimize the initial population, enhancing the global search [...] Read more.

In this paper, an Improved Manta Ray Foraging Optimization (IMRFO) algorithm is proposed to address the challenge of parameter tuning in traditional PID controllers for artillery stabilization systems. The proposed algorithm introduces chaotic mapping to optimize the initial population, enhancing the global search capability; additionally, a sigmoid function and Lévy flight-based dynamic adjustment strategy regulate the selection factor and step size, improving both convergence speed and optimization accuracy. Comparative experiments using five benchmark test functions demonstrate that the IMRFO algorithm outperforms five commonly used heuristic algorithms in four cases. The proposed algorithm is validated through co-simulation and physical platform experiments. Experimental results show that the proposed approach significantly improves control accuracy and response speed, offering an effective solution for optimizing complex nonlinear control systems. By introducing heuristic optimization algorithms for self-tuning artillery stabilization system parameters, this work provides a new approach to enhancing the intelligence and adaptability of modern artillery control. Full article

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2 pages, 991 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Almutary et al. Development of 3D-Bioprinted Colitis-Mimicking Model to Assess Epithelial Barrier Function Using Albumin Nano-Encapsulated Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. Biomimetics 2023, 8, 41

by Abdulmajeed G. Almutary, Abdullah M. Alnuqaydan, Saleh A. Almatroodi, Hamid A. Bakshi, Dinesh Kumar Chellappan and Murtaza M. Tambuwala

Biomimetics 2025, 10(5), 265; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10050265 - 25 Apr 2025

In the original publication [...] Full article

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14 pages, 7905 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Miniature Jumping Robot Using Froghopper’s Direction-Changing Concept

by Dong-Jun Lee and Gwang-Pil Jung

Biomimetics 2025, 10(5), 264; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10050264 - 24 Apr 2025

To improve the maneuverability and agility of jumping robots, a variety of steerable jumping mechanisms have been actively studied. The steering ability enables a robot to reach a particular target by altering its jumping direction. To make this possible, we propose a miniature [...] Read more.

To improve the maneuverability and agility of jumping robots, a variety of steerable jumping mechanisms have been actively studied. The steering ability enables a robot to reach a particular target by altering its jumping direction. To make this possible, we propose a miniature steerable jumping robot based on froghopper’s jumping principle: Moment cancellation is achieved via synchronous leg rotation, and a predictable jumping direction is achieved through an almost zero stiffness femoro-tibial joint. To satisfy these working principles, the robot is designed to have a four-bar shaped body structure and wire-driven knee joints. The four-bar body always synchronizes the leg operation by mechanically coupling the two jumping legs, which enables the robot to cancel out the moments and finally reduce the needless body spin. The knee joints are actuated using wires, and the wires are kept loose to maintain joint stiffness almost zero during take-off. Accordingly, the jumping direction is successfully predicted to determine the initial posture of the tibia. As a result, the proposed robot can change the jumping direction from −20 degrees to 20 degrees while reducing needless body spin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Inspired Robotics and Applications 2025)

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14 pages, 2273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

PDCG-Enhanced CNN for Pattern Recognition in Time Series Data

by Feng Xie, Ming Xie, Cheng Wang, Dongwei Li and Xuan Zhang

Biomimetics 2025, 10(5), 263; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10050263 - 24 Apr 2025

This study compares the effectiveness of three methods—Fréchet Distance, Dynamic Time Warping (DTW), and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs)—in detecting similarities and pattern recognition in time series. It proposes a Pattern-Driven Case Generator (PDCG) framework to automate the creation of labeled time series data [...] Read more.

This study compares the effectiveness of three methods—Fréchet Distance, Dynamic Time Warping (DTW), and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs)—in detecting similarities and pattern recognition in time series. It proposes a Pattern-Driven Case Generator (PDCG) framework to automate the creation of labeled time series data for training CNN models, addressing the challenge of manual dataset curation. By injecting controlled noise and interpolating diverse shapes (e.g., W/M/nAn/vVv), a PDCG synthesizes realistic training data that enhances model robustness. Experimental results demonstrate that the CNN model, trained with 10,000 PDCG-generated cases, achieves 86–98% accuracy in pattern recognition, outperforming traditional methods (Fréchet and DTW) for complex, misaligned, and variable-length sequences. The PDCG-enhanced CNN’s scalability and adaptability improve with larger datasets, validating the PDCG’s efficacy in bridging simulation and real-world applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence for Autonomous Robots: 3rd Edition)

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Open AccessArticle

Lotus Leaf-Inspired Corrosion-Resistant and Robust Superhydrophobic Coating for Oil–Water Separation

by Wenhui Tu, Yiwen Luo, Junhao Shen, Xu Ran, Zhe Yu, Chaolun Wang, Chunhua Cai and Hengchang Bi

Biomimetics 2025, 10(5), 262; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10050262 - 24 Apr 2025

With daily oil consumption approaching 100 million barrels, the global demand continues to generate significant quantities of oily wastewater during oil extraction, refining, and transportation, and the development of effective oil–water separation technologies has become crucial. However, membrane corrosion is a challenge under [...] Read more.

With daily oil consumption approaching 100 million barrels, the global demand continues to generate significant quantities of oily wastewater during oil extraction, refining, and transportation, and the development of effective oil–water separation technologies has become crucial. However, membrane corrosion is a challenge under the harsh conditions involved. Here, we are inspired by the lotus leaf to create a corrosion-resistant and robust superhydrophobic membrane using a general spraying method. By using this spraying process to apply the Graphene@PDMS heptane dispersion onto the mesh substrate, we create a biomimetic corrosion-resistant and robust superhydrophobic stainless steel mesh (SSM). The modified SSM can still maintain superhydrophobic properties after soaking in a strong acidity solution (pH = 1), robust alkalinity solution (pH = 14), or NaCl solution (15 days), which demonstrates excellent chemical stability. Moreover, the modified SSM shows strong mechanical stability during ultrasonic treatment for 2 h. The superhydrophobic SSM can be used to separate various kinds of oils from water with high flux and separation efficiency. It shows a high flux of 27,400 L·m⁻²·h⁻¹ and high separation efficiency of 99.42% for soybean oil–water separation using 400-mesh SSM. The biomimetic modified SSM demonstrates great potential for oil–water separation under harsh conditions, which gives it promise as a candidate in practical applications of oil–water separation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Biomimetics of Materials, Functions, Structures and Processes 2024)

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