Browse Topic: Biomimetics

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Swarm-Inspired Cooperative Mapping for Urban Autonomous Navigation2026-26-0635To be published on 01/16/2026
Urban autonomous vehicles today largely rely on individually built maps or centralized cloud services—both rigid under intermittent connectivity and rapid scene changes (construction, pop-up events). Inspired by how ant colonies collectively explore, we introduce a decentralized protocol: each vehicle broadcasts compressed “map particles” embedded with virtual pheromone values that highlight zones of high uncertainty or recent change. Neighboring vehicles incorporate these signals to prioritize sensing and route planning. A lightweight consensus algorithm merges local graphs into a shared dynamic map, resilient to network splits. The result, a bio-inspired SLAM that enables fleets to adapt on the fly to evolving cityscapes, boosting safety, efficiency, and robustness.
Bhargav, Anirudh S, Subbarao, Chitrashree
An Aerodynamic Equation of State—Part II: Applications to Flapping Flight01-17-01-000204/19/2023
Part I introduced the aerodynamic equation of state. This Part II introduces the aerodynamic equation of state for lift and induced drag of flapping wings and applies it to a hovering and forward-flying bumblebee and a mosquito. Two- and three-dimensional graphical representations of the state space are introduced and explored for engineered subsonic flyers, biological fliers, and sports balls.
Burgers, Phillip
Bio-Inspired Mechanics to Make Robots More EffectiveTBMG-3619103/01/2020
In an effort to make robots more effective and versatile teammates for soldiers in combat, researchers are looking to understand the value of the molecular living functionality of muscle and the fundamental mechanics that would need to be replicated in order to artificially achieve the capabilities arising from the proteins responsible for muscle contraction.
Snake Study Supports Bio-Inspired RoboticsTBMG-2381301/13/2016
A University of Cincinnati team has acquired a better understanding of how brown tree snakes lodge themselves in place during climbing. The resulting knowledge could lead to new bio-inspired robotic designs.
Researchers Develop Self-Folding Origami StructuresTBMG-2135701/13/2015
While the Japanese art of origami has been “a rich source of inspiration” for scientists working to construct such 3D forms, the limitation to simple shapes has held up development of new applications in areas such as biomimetic systems, soft robotics and mechanical meta-materials, especially for structures on small length scales where traditional manufacturing processes fail. Now, however, a team led by polymer scientist Ryan Hayward has developed an approach that could open the door to a new wave of discoveries.
Development of Biomorphic FlyersTBMG-37411/01/2004
Biomorphic flyers have recently been demonstrated that utilize the approach described earlier in "Bio-Inspired Engineering of Exploration Systems" (NPO-21142), NASA Tech Briefs ,Vol.27, No.5 (May 2003), page 54, to distill the principles found in successful, nature-tested mechanisms of flight control. Two types of flyers are being built, corresponding to the imaging and shepherding flyers for a biomorphic mission described earlier in "Cooperative Lander-Surface/Aerial Microflyer Missions for Mars Exploration" (NPO-30286), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol.28, No.5 (May 2004), page 36. The common features of these two types of flyers are that both are delta-wing airplanes incorporating bio-inspired capabilities of control, navigation, and visual search for exploration. The delta-wing design is robust to ~40 G axial load and offers ease of stowing and packaging.
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