Biomimetics Linked to Classical Product Development: An Interdisciplinary Endeavor to Develop a Technical Standard

Area of Science:

• Engineering
• Biomimetics
• Product Development

Background:

• Biomimetics offers significant potential for technical innovation but is largely confined to academia.
• Bridging the gap between biomimetic principles and practical engineering requires standardized processes.
• Integrating biomimetics into engineering design can enhance product development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a standard that connects the biomimetic process with established engineering design procedures.
• To facilitate the practical application of biomimetics in technical design and product development.
• To create a framework for interdisciplinary collaboration between biology, engineering, and industry.

Main Methods:

• An interdisciplinary expert panel from biology, engineering science, and industry was convened.
• A new standard, VDI 6220 Part 2, was developed to link biomimetics to classical product development processes.
• The standard was designed to be compatible with existing engineering design approaches.

Main Results:

• The developed standard, VDI 6220 Part 2, provides a process description for biomimetics.
• This standard supports both solution-based and problem-driven biomimetic approaches.
• The proposed process is connectable to classical engineering design workflows.

Conclusions:

• VDI 6220 Part 2 serves as a crucial link between biomimetics and engineering design.
• The standard is intended to promote broader adoption of biomimetic strategies in future product development.
• Implementing this standard can increase the practical use of biomimetics in industry.