Evaluation methods of biomimetic development: how can we compare and select topics?

Abstract

Biomimetics is a technology that utilises biological structures for manufacturing, and is attracting attention globally in a wide range of fields. However, there are challenges in sharing and communicating development between researchers with different specialties. Biomimetic developments have conventionally been expressed in terms of unique or unconnected indicators, which makes it difficult to understand for outsiders and compare different topics. In this study, evaluation guidelines were developed to effectively share and compare. As the method is directly related to actual development, it is a new methodological framework used in the target-setting phase. Several indicators and criteria with both biology and engineering were set up, proposing ways of evaluating and expressing development topics. And, actual evaluations and comparison were performed on several examples. This study discusses the possible outcomes from the evaluated results, the applied use and the challenges of the evaluation method. A major advancement came with the use of composite indicators to evaluate results, which can be easily compared with other topics. It is expected to contribute to smoother communication and process, and to support decisions on the direction of development.