This paper proposes a new stochastic optimizer called the Colony Predation Algorithm (CPA) based on the corporate predation of animals in nature. CPA utilizes a mathematical mapping following the strategies used by animal hunting groups, such as dispersing prey, encircling prey, supporting the most likely successful hunter, and seeking another target. Moreover, the proposed CPA introduces new features

Research on the mechanical properties of brain tissue has received extensive attention. However, most of the current studies have been conducted at the phenomenological level. In this study, the indentation method was used to explore the difference in local mechanical properties among different regions of the porcine cerebral cortex. Further, hematoxylin-eosin and immunofluorescence staining methods

The current Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) has several drawbacks, such as slow convergence, low solution accuracy and easy to fall into the local optimal solution. To overcome these drawbacks, an improved Whale Optimization Algorithm (IWOA) is proposed in this study. IWOA can enhance the global search capability by two measures. First, the crossover and mutation operations in Differential Evolutionary

In order to satisfy the needs of different applications and more complex intelligent devices, smart control of surface wettability will be necessary and desirable, which gradually become a hot spot and focus in the field of interface wetting. Herein, we review interfacial wetting states related to switchable wettability on superwettable materials, including several classical wetting models and liquid

The replacement of synthetic foam materials using natural biological ones is of great significance for saving energy/resources and reducing environmental pollutions. Here we characterized the microstructure and mechanical properties of natural cornstalk pith, which has a large annual output yet lacks an effective exploitation, and evaluated its feasibility for applications as a substitute for synthetic

In a biomimetic approach the feasibility of liquid flow actuation by vibrating protruding structures excited via guided acoustic waves is investigated. Inspired by periodically beating cilia the loop part of a punched metallic hook-and-loop tape with tilted protruding loops was used as a waveguide for plate waves in water. Such waves were excited in the frequency range of 110 Hz to 220 Hz by directly

Mimicking compositional and constructional features of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is an effective parameter in improving the biological response of biomaterials. In this regard, carbon nanotube (CNT) and gelatin were added to magnesium-calcium phosphate cement (CNG) to mimic fibrillar construction and organic composition of ECM, respectively, besides the CNG performance was compared with the plain

3D printing has made remarkable progress in soft tissue reconstruction enabling the custom design of complex material implants with patient specific geometry. The aim of this study was to inkjet print mechanically reinforced biocompatible hydrogels. Here, we developed a double crosslinked ink by optimizing the rheological properties of solutions of sodium alginate (NaAlg), NaAlg/transglutaminase (TG)

As a result of frequent food waste and environmental pollution, there has been an increasing demand for the development of packaging materials that intrinsically inhibit and reduce likelihood of non-Newtonian liquids adherence. In this work, inspired from ciliary structures on the leg of water strider, the hierarchical conical array was formed by magnetic field control and laser etching without any

Entangled Porous Titanium Alloy Metal Rubber (EPTA-MR) was used as a nucleus pulposus material in the design of non-fusion intervertebral disc prosthesis for the first time. A novel artificial lumbar intervertebral disc prosthesis was designed by reconstructing the lumbar model with reverse engineering technology, and the biomechanical behavior of the prosthesis was simulated under varied working conditions

With the explosive growth of the world’s population and the rapid increase in industrial water consumption, the world’s water supply has fallen into crisis. The shortage of fresh water resources has become a global problem, especially in arid regions. In nature, many organisms can collect water from foggy water under harsh conditions, which provides us with inspiration for the development of new functional

Ice accumulation is a safety and operational threat in power lines, wind turbines, and transportations. Surfaces having both passive anti-icing and active deicing functionalities are very rare. Here, we report a self-cleaning slippery photothermal trap, which is icephobic passively and deice the surfaces actively by converting sun light to heat at the ice-substrate interface. The photothermal trap

Medical image segmentation is a challenging task especially in multimodality medical image analysis. In this paper, an improved pulse coupled neural network based on multiple hybrid features grey wolf optimizer (MFGWO-PCNN) is proposed for multimodality medical image segmentation. Specifically, a two-stage medical image segmentation method based on bionic algorithm is presented, including image fusion

This paper presents the moving mechanism of a high-speed insect-scale microrobot via electromagnetically induced vibration of two simply supported beams. The microrobot, which has a body length of 12.3 mm and a total mass of 137 mg, can achieve reciprocating lift motion of forelegs without any intermediate linkage mechanisms due to the design of an obliquely upward body tilt angle. The gait study shows

Mimicry of nature drives the development of bionic materials. Bionic superhydrophobic materials are a kind of high-efficiency materials to handle oil spills and water pollution. However, the stability of surface coatings of the superhydrophobic materials remains a challenge. Herein, a new category of self-assembly bionic superhydrophobic surface coating was prepared via one-step condensation/copolymerization

Hovering ability forms the basis for space operations of Micro Aerial Vehicles (MAVs). The problem of uneven load puts high demands on the wing design. In this paper, a new hovering-mode for MAVs, inspired by flapping flight in bees and hummingbirds but using high-aspect-ratio and low-stress wings, is proposed. Different from the flapping actuations that occur at the wing roots, the two wings are driven

In order to meet the requirements for miniaturization detection of oil shale pyrolysis process and solve the problem of low sensitivity of oil and gas detection devices, a small bionic electronic nose system was designed. Inspired by the working mode of the olfactory receptors in the mouse nasal cavity, the bionic spatial arrangement strategy of the sensor array in the electronic nose chamber was proposed

In this study, a human-chair model was developed as the basis for a wearable-chair design. A prototype chair, HUST-EC, based on the model was fabricated and evaluated. Employing the optimization under the golden divisional method, an optimized simulation of the operating mode with the lowest chair height was implemented. A novel multi-link support structure has been established with parameters optimized

Some true bug species use droplet-shaped, open-capillary structures for passive, unidirectional fluid transport on their body surface in order to spread a defensive fluid to protect themselves against enemies. In this paper we investigated if the shape of the structures found on bugs (bug-structure) could be optimised with regard to better performance in unidirectional fluid transportation. Furthermore

Any phenomenon in nature is potential to be an inspiration for us to propose new ideas. Lateral line is a typical example which has attracted more interest in recent years. With the aid of lateral line, fish is capable of acquiring fluid information around, which is of great significance for them to survive, communicate and hunt underwater. In this paper, we briefly introduce the morphology and mechanism

In industrial applications, climbing robots are widely used for climbing and detection of rough or smooth pipe surfaces. Inspired by the special claws of longicorn is that can crawl on rough surfaces and the array of tiny bristles of geckos that can crawl on smooth surfaces, a new type of wall-climbing robot for rough or smooth surfaces is proposed in this paper. The bionic palms of the robot are suggested

Multi Access Interference (MAI) is the main source limiting the capacity and quality of the Multiple-Input Multiple-Output Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (MIMO-OFDM) system which fulfills the demand of high-speed transmission rate and high quality of service for future underwater acoustic (UWA) communication. Multi User Detection (MUD) is needed to overcome the performance degradation caused

To better understand dragonflies’ remarkable flapping wing aerodynamic performance, we measured the kinematic parameters of the wings in two different flight modes (Normal Flight Mode (NFM) and Escape Flight Mode (EFM)). When the specimens switched from normal to escape mode the flapping frequency was invariant, but the stroke plane of the wings was more horizontally inclined. The flapping of both

To improve the mechanical properties of Trabecular Beetle Elytron Plates (TBEPs, a type of biomimetic sandwich structure inspired by the beetle elytron) under transverse loads, three-point bending tests are performed to investigate the influence of the trabecular and chamfer radii of the core structure on the mechanical performance of TBEPs manufactured by 3D printing technology. The results show that

Bone connection with robot is an important topic in the research of robot assisted fracture reduction surgery. With the method to achieve bone-robot connection in current robots, requirements on reliability and low trauma can not be satisfied at the same time. In this paper, the design, manufacturing, and experiments of a novel Bone Connection Robotic Hand (BCRH) with variable stiffness capability

Recently, there are hesitations in the application scope of the classical Cassie theory and Wenzel theory. In this paper, Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations are used to study these two theories used in the nanoscale and find their limitations. The effect of parameters including solid fractions (or roughness factors), arrangement of pillars (with same solid fractions), pillar height, and droplet size

Micron/nano scale topographic modification has been a significant focus of interest in current titanium (Ti) surface design. However, the influence of micron/nano structured surface on cell or bacterium behavior on the Ti implant has rarely been systematically evaluated. Moreover, except for popular microgrooves, little work has been carried out on the reaction of cells to the bionic structure. In

In order to study the relationship between the important parameters of internal flow and the effect of drag and noise reduction, the internal flow field and sound field characteristics of bionic centrifugal pump are studied in this paper. Based on the methods of theoretical analysis, numerical simulation and test, the relationship between wall average shear stress, drag reduction rate, increasing efficiency

Evolutionary Computation (EC) has strengths in terms of computation for gait optimization. However, conventional evolutionary algorithms use typical gait parameters such as step length and swing height, which limit the trajectory deformation for optimization of the foot trajectory. Furthermore, the quantitative index of fitness convergence is insufficient. In this paper, we perform gait optimization

With the measurement of the Earth’s magnetic field, magnetic compass can provide high frequency heading information. However, it suffers from local magnetic interference. An intelligent ellipsoid calibration method based on the grey wolf is proposed to generate optimal parameters for magnetic compass to generate high performance heading information. With the analysis of the projection relationship

Herein, self-assembled superhydrophobic composite coatings were successfully prepared using a one-step dip-coating method on different irregular parts. The fluorinated nano-SiO2 particles spread into a uniform layer owing to the viscosity of the composite resin. After the optimization of the process, the fabricated nanoporous-structured coating has low adhesion properties with chemical and high thermal

The fabrication of multi-material medical phantoms with both patient-specificity and realistic mechanical properties is of great importance for the development of surgical planning and medical training. In this work, a 3D multi-material printing system for medical phantom manufacturing was developed. Rigid and elastomeric materials are firstly combined in such application for an accurate tactile feedback

Marine fouling is a worldwide problem, which is harmful to the global marine ecological environment and economic benefits. The traditional antifouling strategy usually uses toxic antifouling agents, which gradually exposes a serious environmental problem. Therefore, green, long-term, broad-spectrum and eco-friendly antifouling technologies have been the main target of engineers and researchers. In

Controlling the shape of surface nanostructures is fundamental for various potential applications for examples, in water harvesting systems, liquid transportation or oil/water separation membranes. In this paper, the creation of porous surface structures is made by a process called templateless electropolymerization, in which water (H2O) is oxidized/reduced to form gas (O2/H2) bubbles onto the surfaces

The objective of this study is to develop a bio robot with a high degree of biomechanical fidelity to the human musculoskeletal system in order to investigate the biomechanical principles underlying human walking. The robot was designed to possess identical biomechanical characteristics to the human body in terms of body segment properties, joint configurations and 3D musculoskeletal geometries. These

Microstructures and corrosion of TiNbTaZrMo (Ti20Nb20Ta20Zr20Mo20) High-Entropy Alloy (HEA) were investigated in the Simulated Body Fluid (SBF). Microstructure of this alloy was investigated by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) techniques. Our observations confirmed the presence of two bcc phases as the major matrix as well as another minor phase in the microstructure of

Animal robots have outstanding advantages over traditional robots in their own energy supplies, orientation, and natural concealment, delivering significant value in the theories and applications of neural science, national security, and other fields. Presently, many animal robots have been fabricated, but researches about the applications of avian robots are still lacking. In this study, we constructed

Superhydrophobic coatings with high flexibility and mechanical durability can well address many practical application problems. To this end, we proposed and fabricated a kind of bio-based superhydrophobic (multi-walled carbon nanotubes) CNT@PU (polyurethane) coatings. It was demonstrated that the CNT@PU coatings with 64% soft segment content possessed the preferable bonding strength (5B) with metal

Skin acts as protective barrier against a number of factors such as dust, opportunistic microbial and viral infections, regulates body temperature and waste discharge. Fibroblast cell population plays an important role in development of skin architecture. A scaffold having capability to support and enhance fibroblast growth is a viable option for wound dressing material which can shorten the time for

Unidirectional liquid transport without any need of external energy has drawn worldwide attention for its potential applications in various fields such as microfluidics, biomedicine and mechanical engineering. In nature, numerous creatures have evolved such extraordinary unidirectional liquid transport ability, such as spider silk, Sarracenia’s trichomes, and Nepenthes alata’s peristome, etc. This

This paper presents a new and safe method of fabricating super-hydrophobic surface on NiTi Shape Memory Alloy (SMA), which aims to further improve the corrosion resistance performance and biocompatibility of NiTi SMA. The super-hydrophobic surfaces with Water Contact Angle (WCA) of 155.4° ± 0.9° and Water Sliding Angle (WSA) of 4.4° ± 1.1° were obtained by the hybrid of laser irradiation and polydimethylsiloxane

Effective Selective Laser Melting (SLM) molding methods for femur implant design and molding can improve femur implant surgery success rates and enhance patients quality of life. In this study, an individualized femur implant and individualized biological fixed-type femur implant were designed using the parametric modeling method. The implants were then directly manufactured via SLM molding technology

The Flapping Rotary Wing (FRW) is a micro air vehicle wing layout coupling flapping, pitching, and rotating motions. It can gain benefits in high lift from a fast passive rotating motion, which is tightly related to the passive pitching motion directly caused by wing flexible deformation. Therefore, flexible deformation is crucial for the wing kinematics and aerodynamic performance of an FRW. In this

To improve the flexural properties of Beetle Elytron Plates (BEPs) and clarify the effect of the transition arcs (chamfers) between the skins and the trabeculae, the chamfers were set in BEPs, and then the influence of the chamfer on BEPs’ mechanical properties was investigated via experimentation and the Finite Element Method simulation (FEM). The results indicate that the influence of the chamfer

Although superhydrophobic materials have attracted much research interest in anti-icing, some controversy still exists. In this research, we report a cost-effective method used to verify the contribution of area fraction to ice adhesion strength. We tried to partially-embed silica nanoparticles into microscale fabrics of a commercial polyamide mesh. Then, the area fraction could be determined by altering

This paper presents a study on bioinspired closed-loop Central Pattern Generator (CPG) based control of a robot fish for obstacle avoidance and direction tracking. The biomimetic robot fish is made of a rigid head with a pair of pectoral fins, a wire-driven active body covered with soft skin, and a compliant tail. The CPG model consists of four input parameters: the flapping amplitude, the flapping

The potential of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) for disease treatment and health enhancement has been actively pursued over the recent decades. This review first provides a general introduction about natural EMFs and related biological effects. Then the recent progress on the EMF treatment of some common diseases (such as cancer, diabetes, wound healing and neurological diseases, etc.) has been carefully

Solid particle erosion on the material surfaces is a very common phenomenon in the industrial field, which greatly affects the efficiency, service life, and even poses a great threat to life safety. However, current research on erosion resistance is not only inefficient, but also limited to the improvement of hardness and toughness of materials. Inspired by typical scorpion (Parabuthus transvaalicus)

The development of water purification device using solar energy has received tremendous attention. Despite extensive progress, traditional photothermal conversion usually has a high cost and high environmental impact. To overcome this problem, we develop a low cost, durable and environmentally friendly solar evaporator. This bi-layered evaporator is constructed with a thermal insulating polyvinylidene

The article “Anthropomorphism Indexes of the Kinematic Chain for Artificial Hands, written by Immaculada Llop-Harillo, Antonio Pérez-González, Javier Andrés-Esperanza, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on May 23rd 2020 without open access. With the author(s)’ decision to opt for Open Choice the copyright of the article changed in October

Misalignment is one of the most common causes of wear in bush bearings. Design improvements have been proposed by many researchers. Unfortunately, it did not efficiently reduce the misalignment. Classic geometrical designs sometimes reach their limits. For this reason, a bio-inspired design is proposed to solve the impediment. In this article, a bio-inspired bearing suited to misalignment was tested

Performing complex tasks by soft robots in constrained environment remains an enormous challenge owing to the limitations of flexible mechanisms and control methods. In this paper, a novel biomimetic soft robot driven by Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) with light weight and multi-motion abilities is introduced. We adapt deep learning to perceive irregular targets in an unstructured environment. Aiming at

To help walking, using assistive devices can be considered to reduce the loads caused by weight and to effectively decrease the propulsive forces. In this study, a mobility Saddle-Assistive Device (S-AD) supporting body weight while walking was evaluated on two healthy volunteers. This device is based on the support of body weight against gravity with the help of a saddle, which is not used in other

Fingers are the basic components of anthropomorphic hands. At present, most anthropomorphic fingers utilize rigid joints, which have obvious fabrication and assembly complexities as well as limited flexibility and adaptability. Thus, some anthropomorphic fingers were attempted to utilize compliant joints learned from bioinspiration, but they have a limited self-resetting ability and lateral deformation

Inspired by the unique, agile and efficient flapping flight of insects, we present a novel sub-100 mg, electromagnetically driven, tailless, flapping-wing micro robot. This robot utilizes two optimized electromagnetic actuators placed back to back to drive two wings separately, then kinematics of each wing can be independently controlled, which gives the robot the ability to generate all three control

Human shoulder joints exhibit stable but highly active characteristics due to a large amount of soft tissues. Finite Element (FE) modelling plays an important role in enhancing our understanding of the mechanism of shoulder disorders. However, the previous FE shoulder models largely neglected the Three-Dimensional (3D) volume of soft tissues and their sophisticated interactions with the skeletons.

Due to its real-time control, high folding ratio, and structure self-locking, flexible large curvature self-folding devices have broad application prospects, such as foldable human implants, flexible electronics, and flexible robots. Driven by this background, flexible large curvature folding butterfly (Polyura eudamippus) proboscises were studied in this work. The folding ratio of the proboscises

The effect of concurrent attendance of two inhibitors of bone degradation, namely Alendronate (Ald) sodium trihydrate and Strontium (Sr), on Calcium Phosphate Cement (CPC) characteristics was explored. To this aim, 5 wt% Strontium and 21 mM Alendronate sodium trihydrate were used in calcium phosphate cement and setting time, ion and drug release were analyzed. RAW264.7 and G cell were cultured on cement

Exoskeleton robots have demonstrated the potential to rehabilitate stroke dyskinesia. Unfortunately, poor human-machine physiological coupling causes unexpected damage to human of muscles and joints. Moreover, inferior humanoid kinematics control would restrict human natural kinematics. Failing to deal with these problems results in bottlenecks and hinders its application. In this paper, the simplified

Wing deformation capture with simulation is a mixed experimental-numerical approach whereby the wing deformation during flapping is captured using high-speed cameras and used as an input for the numerical solver. This is an alternative approach compared to pure experiment or full fluid structure interaction simulation. This study is an update to the previous paper by Tay et al., which aims to address