Presented by: Prof. Walter Federle, University of Cambridge, UK
Chaired by: Prof. Zhendong Dai, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, China
Time: July 6, 2023 08:00 PM (Beijing time)
Venue: Zoom ID: 542 622 3099; Passcode: 202361
Direct link：https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5426223099?pwd=ZkkrMFdHVHQvTG40MmptMCtWWUhXQT09
Organizer: International Society of Bionic Engineering (ISBE)

Walter Federle is Professor of Comparative Biomechanics at the Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, UK. Following his PhD at the University of Würzburg (Germany), and postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard University and UC Berkeley (USA), he joined the University of Cambridge in 2005. Federle is interested in how animals work, and what physical factors play an important role for their biology and interactions with other organisms. His research focuses on insect and plant biomechanics, and attachment mechanisms in nature.

Topic: Inspiration from slippery surfaces and sticky feet: Biomechanics of insect adhesion

The biology of organisms and their interactions is strongly influenced by physical factors. Climbing animals have evolved attachment devices that can work on diverse types of substrates, resist wear and contamination, and attach and detach rapidly during locomotion. Some insects have evolved adaptations to overcome particular challenges, such as controlling attachment when jumping from smooth plant surfaces, moving underwater over rocks in torrential streams, or climbing effortlessly on slippery plant surfaces. In this talk I will present findings on the mechanical adaptations of plants and insects, and how their exceptional performance can provide inspiration for biomimetics.