An overview of biomimetic sensor technology

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the wide range of biomimetic sensor technology and innovations.Design/methodology/approachThe reader is introduced to biomimetic sensors, their types, their advantages and how they are different from traditional sensors. Background information is also provided regarding sensor design, inspiration and innovation.FindingsThere are two approaches to sensor design, which lead to diverse advantages and innovations. Classification of biomimetic sensors indicated which natural senses are underutilized by sensor designers and researchers.Originality/valueThe paper provides information of value for those seeking innovative sensor designs and research information for those who want to research in this area.

Biomimetic behavior and nanomolar detection of hydrogen peroxide on an electrochemically pre-treated hematin modified glassy carbon electrode

“…Directly copying the functionality, principal, morphology or strategy of the biological system is the easiest form of biomimicry [22].…”

Enhanced processing in arrays of optimally tuned nonlinear biomimetic sensors: A coupling-mediated Ringelmann effect and its dynamical mitigation

“…Two well know examples are the mammalian ear, which has a dynamic range of 120dB but can also detect sound intensities of less than 1pW/m 2 , and the human eye, which can register single photon detection but has a luminesence range of 10 14 . These remarkable features of biological sensory systems have motivated scientists and engineers to adopt a "biomimetic" approach for the design of advanced sensory systems [8][9][10]. We describe such an approach in this paper, utilising sensor adaptation in conjunction with array processing to improve the performance of a system based on fluxgate magnetometers.…”

Sensor Devices with High Metrological Reliability

“…This analogy is very successfully being developed in evolutionary cybernetics (Red'ko, 2007;Turchin, 1977), as well as in bionics (biomimetics). As applied to sensors, a biomimetic approach enables to realize functions, structural elements and other features which mimic similar designs ''discovered" by nature in the past (Bogue, 2009;Stroble et al, 2009). In our opinion, the similarity between the biological and technical evolutions forms not only a ''reference book" containing successful structural and functional decisions.…”