Biomimicry, also called biomimesis, biomimetics, bionics, bioinspiration, biognosis or biologically inspired design, is when human innovation is inspired by the natural world.

It comes from 'bios' meaning life in Greek and 'mimesis' meaning to imitate. 

While not a new field in science and engineering it is a rapidly developing one, and its usefulness has only been fully appreciated in recent years. Which has been echoed in its increasing application.

The evolutionary mechanics of survival of the fittest and natural selection mean that many of the problems faced by humanity today have already been solved in the natural world. Through the examination of nature, its models and processes and then emulation and development, scientists can create stronger, lighter materials, safer crumple zones on cars and intricate robotics.

​