From centuries immemorial, man has been trying to seek sustainable solutions by emulating nature's time-tested patterns and strategies. The goal has been to create products, processes and policies that are well-adapted to life on earth long into the future. Bio-inspired designs are elegant, functional and sustainable. After all, our role-models are organisms that manufacture without "heat, beat and treat" methods, and ecosystems that run on sunlight and feedback, creating opportunities rather than waste. This art, skill, intuition and science of turning towards nature as an inspiration for solving our dilemmas is broadly termed as Biomimicry.
The different levels of applying the concept of Biomimicry are:
1. Conceptual / Big Picture level - This is the burrowing of a concept
2. The process Level - In this case we are asking how does nature do it. This can either be a micro examination of biochemical process or it can be a systematic investigation.
3. The material level (idea)
4. The material meets process
Understanding the 'Need' 'Form' and 'Technology'
Human need: An Anti-collision system for automobiles to avoid or at worst minimise accidents on the road especially when speeding on highways.
Nature's example as an inspiration: Locusts avoid running into each other in swarms by using highly evolved eyes that allow these insects to see in several directions simultaneously. A school of fish consistently avoiding each other while moving together in large numbers.
Biomimetic solution: We as product designers can mimic the locusts' vision when developing sensors that detect movement directly surrounding a car and warn drivers of impending crashes.
ANTI COLLISION TECHNOLOGY
Equipped with laser range finders and UWB (Ultra Wide Band) communication, product prototypes can be made using a swarming algorithm similar to that observed in fish. The technology relies on relative positioning which would allow the necessary scalability for such a technology to be implemented in real cars. The anti collision algorithm is based on a basic shoaling algorithm, splitting the behaviour into three modules based on distance as illustrated in the figure:
Area1: Collision Avoidance – Change travelling direction without colliding with other fish
Area2: Travelling side by side – Travel side by side with other fish while keeping a certain distance between each fish (to match the speed)
Area3: Approaching – Gain closer proximity to other fish that are at a certain distance from them
Idea v/s Product concept: Automobiles demonstrating extraordinary "anti-collision" abilities, navigating instinctively and intelligently through challenging terrain by detecting and avoiding obstacles is the transition that has to be made from an Idea to a product.
Existing solution: Nissan's EPORO
(EPisode zerO RObot)
TRIZ (Teoriya Resheniya Izobretatelskikh Zadatch) or Theory of Inventive Problem Solving
TRIZ is a model-based technology for generating innovative ideas and solutions for problem solving. It aims to create an algorithmic approach to the invention of new systems, and the refinement of old systems. Example: The modern day car with a collapsible steering wheel which comes off during high impact thus eliminating the chance of injury to the driver. Similarly working on the problem of impact and crashes can lead to an anti collision system for all automobiles and other products.
Taking the Idea forward...
If the anti-collision technology can be used in high speed cars, it may also be adapted to slow moving objects as well. Let us discuss a few examples below.
Taking the Idea forward...
If the anti-collision technology can be used in high speed cars, it may also be adapted to slow moving objects as well. Let us discuss a few examples below.
The Blind man's stick - Perhaps the most appropriate use of the Anti collision technology would be to help a blind man in his day-to-day activities. A camera or sensors in his walking stick helping him avoid objects within a certain distance so that he can successfully navigate around the house. Also, say, if he wants to walk to a nearby convenience store, he can manage to do it independently and without any hassles.
Wheelchair - Wouldn't it be great for a wheel chair bound individual to help avoid bumping into objects every now and then to make his life more easy.
Commercial cars - Ratan Tata once famously said that the idea for the ‘Nano’ came to him when he saw an Indian family on a scooter and wanted to provide them with a safer mode of transport. Imagine this safety feature in a car and there is almost a plethora of applications and uses that can be thought of.
Formula1 Racing - A dangerous and extreme sport like F1 would do well by adopting the anti-collision technology in their races. Safety is such a key issue for the sport that they cannot afford to be lenient on that front. Who can forget the great F1 race driver Ayrton Senna's shock death by crashing against the concrete wall at the Imola race track or the near fatal injury to Felipe Massa by crashing into a tyre barrier at the Hungarian Grand Prix? The organisers and the spectators would be grateful enough to have a no-crashes future for the sport of Formula1 which already has had its fair share of controversies.
High speed bullet trains: Just as we employ technology in future vehicles by integrating it into their Safety Shield concept, we can implement the same in trains running at high speeds. Making use of the shoal algorithm to design future trains with sensors fitted at the front, major catastrophes can be avoided using this simple-to-use technology.
High speed bullet trains: Just as we employ technology in future vehicles by integrating it into their Safety Shield concept, we can implement the same in trains running at high speeds. Making use of the shoal algorithm to design future trains with sensors fitted at the front, major catastrophes can be avoided using this simple-to-use technology.
Wave cycle for the Anti collision concept
Since this technology is new and a lot of money has been pumped into its Research & Development, initially prices would be very high and Effectiveness would be low. Over a period of time as companies realise the importance and benefits of it through information sharing they would come forward to create value for their customer, thus making it a very important part of our lives. 
