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Nature has long been known as a muse to artists, putting the natural world at the forefront of paintings, theater productions and songs. We at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service pride ourselves in connecting people with nature. National wildlife refuges are some of the best places in the world to observe and connect with the natural world. With more than 570 national wildlife refuges across the country, that’s some serious inspiration! The profound impact of nature’s inspiration goes beyond the pen or brush. For some individuals, the inspiration gathered from nature can be life-changing.
Designers, engineers and scientists have studied the systems, strategies and adaptations that have evolved in nature to develop technologies that enhance the quality of life for people with various disabilities. Biomimicry is the practice of using nature as a model to solve human challenges. This approach has played a significant role in creating innovative solutions to improve accessibility and support individuals with disabilities. There is no better way to celebrate the inspiration of nature and Disability Pride Month this July, as well as the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, than by diving into the world of biomimicry.
Mimicking the biomechanics of animals can lead to more natural, efficient and comfortable movement in prosthetics. For example, the structure structure
Something temporarily or permanently constructed, built, or placed; and constructed of natural or manufactured parts including, but not limited to, a building, shed, cabin, porch, bridge, walkway, stair steps, sign, landing, platform, dock, rack, fence, telecommunication device, antennae, fish cleaning table, satellite dish/mount, or well head.
Learn more about structure of cheetahs� hind legs served as the basis for running blade prosthetics for athletes missing lower limbs. Utilizing the advantages of the animal’s locomotion, running blades allow athletes to capture energy as they land and release energy as they push off, enabling athletes to achieve astonishing speeds.
The field of soft robotics, often inspired by the limb structures of octopuses, has led to prosthetic improvements across a diverse range of tasks and environments. Traditional prosthetics are rigid. Soft robotic limbs provide a greater range of motion, reduce pain and discomfort and foster increased mobility, independence and confidence in users, enabling them to perform a wider variety of activities with greater ease and precision.
Navigation devices for the visually impaired, which use echolocation similar to bats and dolphins, help users detect objects and navigate their surroundings. Wearable devices, such as smart glasses and wrist-worn products, can transform visual information through sonar-like technology into unique sound representations and tactile feedback. For instance, the closer an object, the more frequent vibrations are felt through a wrist-worn band, which fades when an object is farther away. Once considered niche, assistive tools are being improved with compact and stylish designs, making them easier to use and more appealing to mass markets.
Biomimicry will continue to shape the future of accessibility with practical and innovative solutions for individuals with disabilities, while we continue to conserve, protect and enhance wildlife and wild places for the inspiration they provide and all the amazing things you might create from that inspiration.
Looking to find your muse? Visit a national wildlife refuge.
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