Bioinspired innovation

New innovation often takes queues from the timeless design found in nature. Researchers in our department often study the structures, mechanisms, and materials used by animals and plants to inform new approaches.

This has led to gloves inspired by the octopus, water harvesting inspired by trees, drones inspired by bats, and more.

An underwater glove inspired by the octopus (video)

In the lab of Michael Bartlett, researchers have harnessed the unique capabilities of an octopus into a glove worn by humans. The result is Octa-Glove, the prototype of a new tool for underwater work. The work was published on the cover of Science Advances. DOI 10.1126/sciadv.abq1905.