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Innovation-Learning from Nature

Osman Ahmed, Ph.D., P.E.Principal Technical AdvisorOsman.ahmed@pnnl.gov

IAMOT 2019 Mumbai, IndiaApril 7-11, 2019

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Nature and innovation are synonymous

Innovation is intrinsic in nature

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Nature- Some Compelling Innovations

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Blue MorphoButterfly in Costa Rica

Scientists are researching how this butterfly’s nano-particles on the wing interacts with light. Can be used for transmitting information, energy, or for security

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/how-biomimicry-is-inspiring-human-innovation-17924040/

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https://reformedperspective.ca/biomimicry-recognizes-the-genius-but-not-the-genius-behind-the-wonders-of-creation/

Birds teach how to make Bullet Train• The Owl• The Adelie Penguin• The Kingfisher

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Water Harvesting

Namib Beetle

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A natural Digital Platform

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9https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/computers-vs-brains/

Human brain provides intelligence

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Human Digital Example

• How do we reject salt-water even when we are thirsty?

• We regulate sodium within a narrow range.

https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2019/03/27/707289059/blech-brain-science-explains-why-youre-not-thirsty-for-salt-water

Thirst Neurons

Sodium Sensors

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A koala hugs a tree while her baby clings to her back at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary near Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Koalas have adapted to only eat the leaves of eucalyptus trees. Eucalyptus are very low in protein and toxic to many animal species. Being able to digest eucalyptus leaves is an adaptation that benefits the koala by providing it a food source for which there is little competition.

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Learning from Nature

2 Inspiring Stories

Walden Pond, MA, USA

Chicago, IL, USA

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http://www.jamesfahey.com/2013/05/03/revolution-vs-evolution/

Revolutionary Innovation adapts the world to ideas.

• Incremental, less expensive but expects many success• Japanese industry follows such model• Toyota, McDonald’s, Siemens

• Disruptive, needs large investment and a few mega success• Silicon valley follows such model• Facebook, Microsoft, Apple, Google, Intel, Amazon

Evolutionary Innovation adapts ideas to the existing world.

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Plant cellulose contains sugar or “bio-energy” in abundance Use inexpensive

electron beam to break cellulose, mix with enzyme, and make cheap benign bio-fuel

Xyleco Technologywww.Xyleco.com)

Marshall Medoff

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Apply Artificial Photo-Synthesis Chip (APS) on building envelope.

Osman Ahmed

Siemens 2009

Capture CO2 from outdoor air or building exhaust air. Split CO2 with solar light. Release O2. Combine C with waste water and make benign bio-fuel.

At Caltech

APS

Thank you

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