REVIEW PAPER 1281 An attempt to reveal synergies between biology and mechanical engineering I C Gebeshuber 1,2∗ and M Drack 3,4 1 Institut für Allgemeine Physik, Vienna University of Technology, Wiedner Hauptstraße, Wien, Austria 2 AC 2 T research GmbH, Austrian Centre of Competence for Tribology, Viktor Kaplan-Straße, Wiener Neustadt, Austria 3 Department of Theoretical Biology, University of Vienna, Althanstraße, Vienna, Austria 4 Department of Neurobiology and Cognition Research, University of Vienna, Althanstraße, Vienna, Austria The manuscript was received on 2 October 2007 and was accepted after revision for publication on 3 March 2008. DOI: 10.1243/09544062JMES890 Abstract: Biomimetics is a continuously growing field. In this article specific examples for successful technology transfer among biology and engineering are classified along a newly proposed scheme of the field – biomimetics by analogy and biomimetics by induction – com- plemented by technical biology. Famous examples as well as niche applications are presented: winglets on airplanes, an optimized straw-bale screw, Velcro, and self-cleaning surfaces and paints, as well as investigations on spiders. The need of a common language for biologists and engineers, in which descriptions at different level of detail are more compatible, is stressed and general principles that can be applied by engineers who are not at all involved in biology are presented. Keywords: biomimetics, bionics, new technologies, interface engineering biology, bioinspired technology 1 INTRODUCTION This article aims at revealing synergies of biologists and mechanical engineers to further strengthen com- mon approaches in the fields of biomimetics. This goal will be reached by pointing out the advantages of biomimetic work for both biology and engineer- ing. Biomimetics is currently in a transition stage from being an exotic discipline, dealt with only by a few specialists, to an established field, appreciated by funding agencies as well as the general public. This is reflected by the ever-increasing number of publications on biomimetics (Fig. 1) [1]. With a spe- cial issue on biomimetics in engineering, this field is now attracting the attention it deserves in the Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science [2]. The ten articles in that special issue are a good introduction to those mechanical engineers and technologists not familiar with biomimetics, and also educate seasoned biomimeticists. ∗ Corresponding author: Institut für Allgemeine Physik, Vienna University of Technology, Wiedner Hauptstraße 8-10/134, 1040 Wien, Austria. email: gebeshuber@iap.tuwien.ac.at The high degree of specialization in current science and technology requires a cross-disciplinary dialogue to prevent re-invention of the wheel. Biologists as well as engineers can save a tremendous amount of work, money, and time while getting inspiration from the other field. However, there is still a cleft not only in the conceptual worlds of biologists and engineers, in many cases originating from early education, but also in attitudes and languages. In this article good reasons for starting a dialogue among biologists and engi- neers are given and the benefits for both groups are described in detail. The concept of the article is as follows: The incen- tives for engaging with biomimetics are given along a newly proposed structure of the field. This structure is illustrated by examples of products and applications, some being widely known and used, others being used in highly specific areas. 2 MOTIVATION FOR A DIALOGUE Biologists and engineers generally do not see many overlaps of their professions. A major basis for engineering is the understanding of the structure and JMES890 © IMechE 2008 Proc. IMechE Vol. 222 Part C: J. Mechanical Engineering Science