Biomimicry

In this design challenge, students will receive a challenge to develop a prosthesis for John who lost his arm while operating machinery.

Students will learn about biomimicry and get a basic understanding of how we, as humans, have looked to nature as a source of inspiration for designing solutions.

The students will be presented with the following problem:

“John recently got into an accident while operating machinery. Fortunately, he will recover but had to have his right arm amputated. With advances in technology, prosthetics can now be made with 3D printers. However, John is not sure how to create one and needs your help in designing a prosthesis that will allow him to complete certain tasks.’

“Today, you will put on your engineering hat to create the initial design for a prosthesis. By looking to nature, you will be able to design a prosthesis that can grab, move, and open a water bottle.”

Students will put on their engineering hats to help John design a prosthesis. Students will engage in a STEM challenge to design a prosthesis that can hold a water bottle, lift one up and move it, and have a firm enough grip to open the water bottle. Teams will receive bonus points if their prosthesis can be tested using only one hand.