Natural system
Nature Model
biological inspiration
Various
Application
primary function
Global
Location
origin
The Problem
This innovation addresses a key sustainability or performance challenge.
Tessellations: Efficient Tiling Without Wasting Space Tessellation in nature involves repeating geometric patterns that fit together without gaps, optimizing strength, efficiency, and space usage. Honeycomb structures in beehives use hexagonal tessellation to store honey with minimal wax.
Tessellations: Efficient Tiling Without Wasting Space Tessellation in nature involves repeating geometric patterns that fit together without gaps, optimizing strength, efficiency, and space usage. Honeycomb structures in beehives use hexagonal tessellation to store honey with minimal wax. Snake scales and fish skin tessellate for flexibility and protection. Turtle shells and insect exoskeletons form interlocking plates for durability.
Biomimicry Breakdown
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Inspired by Tessellations: Efficient Tiling Without Wasting Space? The Biomimicry Opportunity Map scans your company website and suggests challenges worth solving the way nature would.
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Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica)
The PAX Water Mixer mimics the golden ratio spiral flow of a calla lily to circulate 10 million gallons of water with the energy footprint of just three 100-watt light bulbs.
Common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
Engineer Eiji Nakatsu re-designed the nose of Japan's Shinkansen 500 series bullet train based on the kingfisher's beak — eliminating the sonic boom when exiting tunnels, reducing energy use by 15%, and increasing speed by 10%.
Yellow boxfish (Ostracion cubicus)
Despite its square shape, the boxfish is one of the most hydrodynamically efficient swimmers in the ocean. Mercedes-Benz engineers discovered it has a drag coefficient of just 0.06 — and designed a concept car based entirely on its body plan that achieves unprecedented aerodynamic efficiency.
There's a natural world to explore