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What is Biomimicry? The Train and the Kingfisher

Japanese engineers, faced with a sonic dilemma in their high-speed trains, turned to the Kingfisher for a solution.

Last century, Japan encountered a predicament with its iconic Shinkansen bullet trains. Exceeding speeds of 200 miles per hour triggered a disruptive sound when passing through a tunnel.

The resulting challenge, known as the tunnel boom, arose when the train forced air along enclosed tunnels, creating pressure that was released in the form of a sonic boom at tunnel exits. This disturbance was audible up to 1300 feet (400m) away, leading Japan to impose a decibel limit of 70 to mitigate noise pollution.

Enter Eiji Nakatsu, an engineer with a passion for birdwatching and the project’s general manager of technical development. Inspired by nature’s silent precision, Nakatsu set out to find a solution that would marry the speed of the Shinkansen with the tranquility of the kingfisher’s dive.

Nakatsu’s meticulous observation of birds, including owls and Adelie penguins, inspired different elements of the redesigned Shinkansen. The pantograph, mimicking owl feathers, aimed to silence the train, while the streamlined body design, influenced by the Adelie penguin, reduced air resistance. However, it was the kingfisher’s unique ability to dive into water without a splash that captivated Nakatsu’s imagination.

After extensive testing and experimentation, the engineers unveiled a nose design for the Shinkansen inspired by the kingfisher’s beak. The outcome was revolutionary: the train not only became 10% faster but also consumed 15% less electricity and reduced travel time by 15 minutes, addressing both the noise pollution issue and enhancing efficiency.

This biomimicry application transcends mere imitation, embodying the essence of nature’s problem-solving strategies. It highlights the potential for sustainable innovation, not just in transportation but across various industries. This is just one of a myriad of examples

Biomimicry extends beyond mimicking forms; it encompasses emulating processes and ecosystems. Nature’s designs, from the microfluidics of tree water distribution to the self-cleaning mechanisms of leaves, offer blueprints for efficient utilization and upcycling.

From imitating prarie dogs burrows for ventilation systems to mimicking shark skin for antibacterial surfaces, designers explore diverse avenues inspired by nature. The goal is to create sustainable designs that leave no unused byproducts, mirroring the efficiency and resilience seen in natural ecosystems.

The tale of the Shinkansen train and the kingfisher encapsulates the promise of biomimicry in revolutionizing industries. As we stand at the intersection of human ingenuity and nature’s wisdom, biomimicry beckons us to unlock sustainable futures. It challenges us to learn not just from nature’s designs but from its overarching principles, fostering efficiency, resilience, and harmony.

In a world where biomimicry becomes a guiding principle, innovation becomes synonymous with sustainable development coupled with efficency. As we delve into nature’s solutions, we discover an elegant partnership where human creativity dances with the time-tested rhythms of life.