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Biomimetics
Special Issues
Bio-Inspired Mechanical Design and Control
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Bio-Inspired Mechanical Design and Control

A special issue of Biomimetics (ISSN 2313-7673). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomimetic Design, Constructions and Devices".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2024) | Viewed by 10471

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Harun Chowdhury

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. ABSCUBE Engineering & Education Services Pty Ltd., Melbourne, VIC, Australia
2. School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
Interests: aerodynamics; bioengineering; turbo machinery; mechanical design; energy and power; renewable energy; engineering education and accreditation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The field of bio-inspired mechanical design and control takes inspiration from the biological world, from the tiniest insect to the mightiest mammal, to create more efficient, adaptable, and robust machines. Engineers employ ingenious mechanisms that have evolved over millions of years to design robots, prosthetics, and other machines that move with unprecedented dexterity and finesse. By borrowing from nature's playbook, engineers can create machines that are more adaptable to their environment, more energy-efficient, and more human-like. Bio-inspired robots can navigate rough terrain, climb trees, and even swim with ease. They can operate for longer periods on a single charge, and bio-inspired prosthetics and exoskeletons can move with natural fluidity and precision, making them more intuitive and comfortable for users.

This Special Issue will present the latest research studies in the field of bio-inspired mechanical design and control from either theoretical or practical perspectives. Relevant topics for this Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the following areas:

  • Multiscale modeling and design of material structures;
  • Conceptual design and bio-structure design;
  • Bionic functional surface and bionic structure processing;
  • Mechanical structure and motion control of robots based on the bionics principle;
  • Performance analysis and evaluation of computer-aided biomimetics;
  • Multidisciplinary optimization algorithms for computer-aided biomimetics;
  • Application of AI in computer-aided biomimetics;
  • Other related research topics.

Dr. Harun Chowdhury
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biomimetics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • bio-inspired
  • biomimetics
  • biomaterials
  • mechanical design
  • control system

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 20726 KiB  
Article
A Biomimetic Flexible Sliding Suction Cup Suitable for Curved Surfaces
by Enhua Cui, Xiangcong Zhou, Yanqiang Liu, Jixiao Xue, Siyuan Xiong and Deyuan Zhang
Biomimetics 2025, 10(3), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10030137 - 24 Feb 2025
Viewed by 670
Abstract
The sliding suction robots designed for wall-climbing functions could have accuracy defects due to suction cup sealing, friction interference, and surface adaptability. Hence, this work develops a biomimetic, flexible, sliding suction cup suitable for crawling on curved surfaces. Inspired by the hypostomus plecostomus’s [...] Read more.
The sliding suction robots designed for wall-climbing functions could have accuracy defects due to suction cup sealing, friction interference, and surface adaptability. Hence, this work develops a biomimetic, flexible, sliding suction cup suitable for crawling on curved surfaces. Inspired by the hypostomus plecostomus’s mouth, we designed a biomimetic low-contact force flow channel structure and a matrix of friction-reducing protrusions along the lip edge of the sliding suction cup. This design reduces frictional resistance on the sliding interface and the flexible nature of the suction cup, allowing it to be used on curved or vertical surfaces of different materials. Several simulation-based optimization analyses and experimental tests are conducted on the biomimetic low-contact force flow channel structure, and various structural design principles are explored for achieving high adhesion and low-contact force. Additionally, a friction reduction model for the matrix structure is designed to verify the effects of parameters such as load, protrusion size, and quantity on the friction coefficient of the matrix structure surface through friction tests. The sliding suction cup prototype presents an average crawling speed of about 0.4 m/s on a horizontal plane and 0.7 m/s for crawling on vertical walls and the inner surface of a cylindrical rail. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Inspired Mechanical Design and Control)
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21 pages, 15959 KiB  
Article
Quasi-Static and Low-Velocity Impact Response of 3D Printed Plates Using Bio-Inspired Tool Paths
by Muhammed Kamrul Islam, Paul J. Hazell, Hongxu Wang, Juan P. Escobedo and Harun Chowdhury
Biomimetics 2025, 10(3), 135; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10030135 - 24 Feb 2025
Viewed by 513
Abstract
The study of biomimetics allows for the creation of various structures inspired by nature. This work investigates the impact of using a bio-inspired tool path for manufacturing porous plates via 3D printing. The Bouligand (or plywood-like) structure is prevalent in several biological components. [...] Read more.
The study of biomimetics allows for the creation of various structures inspired by nature. This work investigates the impact of using a bio-inspired tool path for manufacturing porous plates via 3D printing. The Bouligand (or plywood-like) structure is prevalent in several biological components. Structures that mimicked the Bouligand design concerning the tool path were printed and compared to uniform plates produced with a rectilinear pattern through mechanical testing. Quasi-static and dynamic tests were conducted on specimens with infill densities ranging from 25% to 100%. Results indicated that the Bouligand pattern displayed superior specific energy absorption at 75% infill density. This bio-inspired path pattern also provided excellent elongation during quasi-static and dynamic failure—the fracture pattern of the bio-inspired path adhered to the Bouligand structure. In contrast, brittle failure was demonstrated by the specimen with a rectilinear pattern at varying infill percentages, while the bio-inspired pattern enhanced the toughness of the polymer specimens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Inspired Mechanical Design and Control)
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20 pages, 15261 KiB  
Article
Real-Time Home Automation System Using BCI Technology
by Marius-Valentin Drăgoi, Ionuț Nisipeanu, Aurel Frimu, Ana-Maria Tălîngă, Anton Hadăr, Tiberiu Gabriel Dobrescu, Cosmin Petru Suciu and Andrei Rareș Manea
Biomimetics 2024, 9(10), 594; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9100594 - 1 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2231
Abstract
A Brain–Computer Interface (BCI) processes and converts brain signals to provide commands to output devices to carry out certain tasks. The main purpose of BCIs is to replace or restore the missing or damaged functions of disabled people, including in neuromuscular disorders like [...] Read more.
A Brain–Computer Interface (BCI) processes and converts brain signals to provide commands to output devices to carry out certain tasks. The main purpose of BCIs is to replace or restore the missing or damaged functions of disabled people, including in neuromuscular disorders like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), cerebral palsy, stroke, or spinal cord injury. Hence, a BCI does not use neuromuscular output pathways; it bypasses traditional neuromuscular pathways by directly interpreting brain signals to command devices. Scientists have used several techniques like electroencephalography (EEG) and intracortical and electrocorticographic (ECoG) techniques to collect brain signals that are used to control robotic arms, prosthetics, wheelchairs, and several other devices. A non-invasive method of EEG is used for collecting and monitoring the signals of the brain. Implementing EEG-based BCI technology in home automation systems may facilitate a wide range of tasks for people with disabilities. It is important to assist and empower individuals with paralysis to engage with existing home automation systems and gadgets in this particular situation. This paper proposes a home security system to control a door and a light using an EEG-based BCI. The system prototype consists of the EMOTIV Insight™ headset, Raspberry Pi 4, a servo motor to open/close the door, and an LED. The system can be very helpful for disabled people, including arm amputees who cannot close or open doors or use a remote control to turn on or turn off lights. The system includes an application made in Flutter to receive notifications on a smartphone related to the status of the door and the LEDs. The disabled person can control the door as well as the LED using his/her brain signals detected by the EMOTIV Insight™ headset. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Inspired Mechanical Design and Control)
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20 pages, 4335 KiB  
Article
Advanced Design and Implementation of a Biomimetic Humanoid Robotic Head Based on Vietnamese Anthropometry
by Nguyen Minh Trieu and Nguyen Truong Thinh
Biomimetics 2024, 9(9), 554; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9090554 - 15 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1956
Abstract
In today’s society, robots are increasingly being developed and playing an important role in many fields of industry. Combined with advances in artificial intelligence, sensors, and design principles, these robots are becoming smarter, more flexible, and especially capable of interacting more naturally with [...] Read more.
In today’s society, robots are increasingly being developed and playing an important role in many fields of industry. Combined with advances in artificial intelligence, sensors, and design principles, these robots are becoming smarter, more flexible, and especially capable of interacting more naturally with humans. In that context, a comprehensive humanoid robot with human-like actions and emotions has been designed to move flexibly like a human, performing movements to simulate the movements of the human neck and head so that the robot can interact with the surrounding environment. The mechanical design of the emotional humanoid robot head focuses on the natural and flexible movement of human electric motors, including flexible suitable connections, precise motors, and feedback signals. The feedback control parts, such as the neck, eyes, eyebrows, and mouth, are especially combined with artificial skin to create a human-like appearance. This study aims to contribute to the field of biomimetic humanoid robotics by developing a comprehensive design for a humanoid robot head with human-like actions and emotions, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of the motor and feedback control system in simulating human behavior and emotional expression, thereby enhancing natural interaction between robots and humans. Experimental results from the survey showed that the behavioral simulation rate reached 94.72%, and the emotional expression rate was 91.50%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Inspired Mechanical Design and Control)
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16 pages, 3927 KiB  
Article
Network Topology of Wing Veins in Hawaiian Flies Mitigates Allometric Dilemma
by Kazuki Sugiyama, Yoshihiro Kubota and Osamu Mochizuki
Biomimetics 2024, 9(8), 451; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9080451 - 24 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1115
Abstract
Specific Hawaiian fruit flies have an extra crossvein (ECV) in the wing vein network which connects contiguously with another crossvein and forms a unique cruciform topology. These flies are distinguished by their large wings and their allometrically small vein diameters compared to those [...] Read more.
Specific Hawaiian fruit flies have an extra crossvein (ECV) in the wing vein network which connects contiguously with another crossvein and forms a unique cruciform topology. These flies are distinguished by their large wings and their allometrically small vein diameters compared to those of typical fruit flies. Small vein diameters may increase frictional energy loss during internal blood transport, although they lead to an improvement in the wing’s moment of inertia. Our hypothesis was that the ECV’s presence would reduce the hydraulic resistance of the entire vein network. To investigate the hemodynamic effects of its presence, the flow rate of blood and frictional pressure loss within the vein networks was simulated by modeling them as hydraulic circuits. The results showed a 3.1% reduction in pressure loss owing to the network topology created by the presence of the ECV. This vein and its contiguous crossvein diverted part of the blood from the wing veins topologically parallel to them, reducing the pressure loss in these bypassed veins. The contiguity of the ECV to the other crossvein provided the shortest blood transfer route and lowest pressure drop between these crossveins. The results suggest that the presence of the ECV may counterbalance the heightened resistance caused by constricted veins. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Inspired Mechanical Design and Control)
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Review

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23 pages, 72307 KiB  
Review
Biomimetic Origami: A Biological Influence in Design
by Hadi Ebrahimi Fakhari, Juan Rosario Barboza and Pezhman Mardanpour
Biomimetics 2024, 9(10), 600; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9100600 - 4 Oct 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2854
Abstract
Origami, the art of paper folding, has long fascinated researchers and designers in its potential to replicate and tap the complexity of nature. In this paper, we pursue the crossing of origami engineering structures and biology, the realm of biologically-inspired origami structures categorized [...] Read more.
Origami, the art of paper folding, has long fascinated researchers and designers in its potential to replicate and tap the complexity of nature. In this paper, we pursue the crossing of origami engineering structures and biology, the realm of biologically-inspired origami structures categorized by the two biggest taxonomy kingdoms and DNA origami. Given the diversity of life forms that Earth comprises, we pursue an analysis of biomimetic designs that resemble intricate patterns and functionalities occurring in nature. Our research begins by setting out a taxonomic framework for the classification of origami structures based on biologically important kingdoms. From each of these, we explore the engineering structures inspired by morphological features, behaviors, and ecological adaptations of organisms. We also discuss implications in realms such as sustainability, biomaterials development, and bioinspired robotics. Thus, by parlaying the principles found in nature’s design playbook through the art of folding, biologically inspired origami becomes fertile ground for interdisciplinary collaboration and creativity. Through this approach, we aim to inspire readers, researchers, and designers to embark on a journey of discovery in which the boundaries between art, science, and nature are blurred, providing a foundation for innovation to thrive. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Inspired Mechanical Design and Control)
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