Biomimetics Linked to Classical Product Development: An Interdisciplinary Endeavor to Develop a Technical Standard
Kristina Wanieck,
Leandra Hamann,
Marcel Bartz,
Eike Uttich,
Markus Hollermann,
Manfred Drack,
Heike Beismann
Affiliations
Kristina Wanieck
Faculty of Applied Informatics, Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT), Teaching Area Biomimetics and Innovation, Grafenauer Str. 22, 94078 Freyung, Germany
Leandra Hamann
Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Animal Ecology, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany
Marcel Bartz
Engineering Design, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Martensstraße 9, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
Eike Uttich
Product Development, Institute Product and Service Engineering, Faculty Mechanical Engineering, Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB), Universitaetsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
Markus Hollermann
Die Bioniker GbR/ELISE GmbH, Consulting & Development, Im Mersch 14, 49577 Eggermühlen, Germany
Manfred Drack
Evolutionary Biology of Invertebrates, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 28E, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
Heike Beismann
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Westphalian University of Applied Sciences, Teaching Area Biology and Biomimetics, Münsterstr. 265, 46397 Bocholt, Germany
Biomimetics is a well-known approach for technical innovation. However, most of its influence remains in the academic field. One option for increasing its application in the practice of technical design is to enhance the use of the biomimetic process with a step-by-step standard, building a bridge to common engineering procedures. This article presents the endeavor of an interdisciplinary expert panel from the fields of biology, engineering science, and industry to develop a standard that links biomimetics to the classical processes of product development and engineering design. This new standard, VDI 6220 Part 2, proposes a process description that is compatible and connectable to classical approaches in engineering design. The standard encompasses both the solution-based and the problem-driven process of biomimetics. It is intended to be used in any product development process for more biomimetic applications in the future.
