From Razor Clams to Robots - The Mathematics Behind Biologically Inspired Design

Explore the fascinating intersection of biology and robotics in this 50-minute lecture from the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics. Delve into the mathematics behind biologically inspired design, examining how natural systems like crawling snails, digging clams, and swimming microorganisms have evolved to perform tasks optimally within physical constraints. Learn how these biological principles can guide engineering design and provide insights into the form and function of living organisms. Discover the development of novel robotic diggers and crawlers based on snail and clam mechanics, and investigate the crucial role of mathematics in designing, controlling, and evaluating unconventional robotic systems. Follow along as the lecturer covers topics such as optimization, bio-inspired dynamic anchoring, genetic algorithms, and optimal kinematics, culminating in practical applications like the RoboSnail and strategies for recognizing outstanding engineering design.

Intro
Examples of Bio-Inspired Design
Big Picture
Optimization
Aside on George Dantzig
Clams, Snails, and FIRST
Bio-Inspired Dynamic Anchoring
Razor Clams (Ensis directus)
Model (Summary)
Real Clam Energetics
Optimizing Kinematics
Genetic Algorithm
Optimal Kinematics
Snail Locomotion
Physical Picture
Snail Velocity
Optimal Wave Profiles
Retrograde Crawler: RoboSnail
Recognizing Outstanding Engineering Design
One possible solution ....
Optimal Expected Scoring Capacity
Acknowledgements