Researchers are drawing on the animal kingdom for robot designs
Implications - Researchers are drawing on the movements of animals to inspire the designs for robots. The unique ways animals move and the characteristics that enable them to survive in the wild are being utilized for the advancement of robotic design. From movement to design, the animal kingdom could continue to inspire new designs within the robotic industry and add the touch of familiarity needed to bring robotics into the everyday household.
Workshop Question - Consumers feel a natural inclination towards biophilia; where can you take inspiration from nature and science to infuse your offerings with a stronger sense of trust?
Trend Themes
1. Biologically Inspired Robots - The use of animals as inspiration for design is a growing trend in the robotics industry and could provide new directions for robotic innovation.
2. Soft Robotics - Soft robotics is a rapidly growing trend in the robotics industry, allowing for more flexibility and versatility in movements and applications.
3. Biohybrid Robotic Technology - Biohybrid robotic technology is a disruptive trend that enables robots to incorporate biological material to function, resulting in greater energy efficiency and new levels of complexity.
Industry Implications
1. Robotics Industry - The robotic industry is one of the most direct beneficiaries of these trends, with many new directions and opportunities for innovation resulting from these biologically-inspired and soft robotics trends.
2. Healthcare Industry - The healthcare industry stands to benefit from these trends as biohybrid technologies become more advanced, with possible medical applications such as prosthetics and implants on the horizon.
3. Environmental Sustainability Industry - Eco-friendly robotics and the use of light as an energy source in robotic designs have potentially transformative applications in a wide array of contexts ranging from heavy engineering to scientific exploration, resulting in a new chapter of sustainability research.
