Biomimetics and Bio-Inspired Engineering from a Christian Perspective with an Emphasis on Optimization and Control Examples in God’s Creation

About Biomimetics and Bio-Inspired Engineering from a Christian Perspective with an Emphasis on Optimization and Control Examples in God’s Creation

Abstract

Biomimetics, the mimicking of elements of nature and using the designs in engineering applications, and bio-inspired engineering, the learning of principles from nature and using them as inspiration for engineering designs, are relatively new research fields [1]. Because biomimetics (or biomimicry) and bio-inspired engineering involve studying elements of God’s Creation, then Christian engineers and scientists can gain insight into the handiwork and knowledge of God (Psalm 19:1, Colossians 2:2-3) [2]. Because God created everything in the universe in six days before the Fall and said that everything was “very good” (Genesis 1:31) [2], the original Creation was perfectly designed, optimized, and controlled. In other words, He was the perfect designer and engineer for everything in the universe. God’s designs did not stop after the Fall, for God revealed to Noah what could be considered an “optimal” design for the ark tonwithstand the extreme conditions of the Genesis Flood. After the Fall, the Curse, and thenGenesis Flood, Christian engineers and scientists who study God’s Creation can still gain insight into His designs and creativity and apply the ideas and knowledge gained to various engineering challenges, albeit tainted by sin and a decaying universe (Romans 8:20-22) [2]. The Christian engineer’s responsibility is to give God the glory acknowledging the source of the wisdom and knowledge as they learn and apply the insight gained. Examples are provided that illustrate how engineers have been able to learn and receive inspiration from God’s Creation, specifically biological creatures, and apply that knowledge to engineered systems, with an emphasis on optimization and control examples. In the area of optimization, several bio-inspired examples are provided that can be formulated as constrained nonlinear optimization problems such as human-engineered cochlea and the design of synthetic gene circuits. In addition to optimization, examples are provided for feedback control systems such as the nonlinear flight control of insects and birds, central pattern generators in the spinal cords of creatures such as lobsters, and artificial neural networks. Finally, included in the paper are student assessment data obtained after providing biomimetic and bio-inspired examples in undergraduate engineering courses at Cedarville University. The feedback from the students was very positive and encouraging. This paper is intended to be an introduction to the topic of biomimetics and bio-inspired engineering from a Christian engineer’s perspective and forms the foundation for follow-on research and publications in this area.