Country · 7 examples
7 biomimicry innovations developed in Germany, from products and materials to buildings and systems.
Sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)
The lotus leaf is covered in microscopic waxy bumps that make water form perfect spheres and roll off instantly, carrying dirt with them. This "lotus effect" has been commercialised in self-cleaning building materials, textiles, medical devices, and solar panels worldwide.
Spider (Araneus sp., UV-Reflective Silk)
Spiders add UV-reflective silk to webs. Birds see UV. 1 billion birds die from glass strikes yearly.
Sea Urchin structure
The BUGA Wood Pavilion at the University of Stuttgart inspired by sea urchin structures for lightweight and efficient temporary architecture.
Dolphin echolocation system
Dolphin echolocation processing inspires S2C acoustic modems achieving accurate underwater communication where conventional sonars fail.
Snake (Serpentes, Scale Surface)
Snake scales create directional friction. Applied to footwear.
Yellow boxfish (Ostracion cubicus)
Despite its square shape, the boxfish is one of the most hydrodynamically efficient swimmers in the ocean. Mercedes-Benz engineers discovered it has a drag coefficient of just 0.06 — and designed a concept car based entirely on its body plan that achieves unprecedented aerodynamic efficiency.
Beetle wings
Pavilion designs by the University of Stuttgart inspired by beetle wing structures for lightweight and structurally efficient architecture.
For R&D and product teams