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Biomimetics Linked to Classical Product Development: An Interdisciplinary Endeavor to Develop a Technical Standard

Biomimetics Linked to Classical Product Development: An Interdisciplinary Endeavor to Develop a... biomimetics Article Biomimetics Linked to Classical Product Development: An Interdisciplinary Endeavor to Develop a Technical Standard 1 2 3 4 5 6 Kristina Wanieck , Leandra Hamann , Marcel Bartz , Eike Uttich , Markus Hollermann , Manfred Drack 7 , and Heike Beismann * Faculty of Applied Informatics, Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT), Teaching Area Biomimetics and Innovation, Grafenauer Str. 22, 94078 Freyung, Germany; kristina.wanieck@th-deg.de Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Animal Ecology, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany; lhamann@evolution.uni-bonn.com Engineering Design, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Martensstraße 9, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; bartz@mfk.fau.de Product Development, Institute Product and Service Engineering, Faculty Mechanical Engineering, Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB), Universitaetsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany; uttich@lpe.rub.de Die Bioniker GbR/ELISE GmbH, Consulting & Development, Im Mersch 14, 49577 Eggermühlen, Germany; markushollermann@diebioniker.de Evolutionary Biology of Invertebrates, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 28E, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; manfred.drack@uni-tuebingen.de Department of Mechanical Engineering, Westphalian University of Applied Sciences, Teaching Area Biology and Biomimetics, Münsterstr. 265, 46397 Bocholt, Germany * Correspondence: heike.beismann@w-hs.de; Tel.: +49-2871-2155-944 Abstract: Biomimetics is a well-known approach for technical innovation. However, most of its influence remains in the academic field. One option for increasing its application in the practice of Citation: Wanieck, K.; Hamann, L.; technical design is to enhance the use of the biomimetic process with a step-by-step standard, building Bartz, M.; Uttich, E.; Hollermann, M.; a bridge to common engineering procedures. This article presents the endeavor of an interdisciplinary Drack, M.; Beismann, H. Biomimetics expert panel from the fields of biology, engineering science, and industry to develop a standard that Linked to Classical Product links biomimetics to the classical processes of product development and engineering design. This Development: An Interdisciplinary new standard, VDI 6220 Part 2, proposes a process description that is compatible and connectable to Endeavor to Develop a Technical classical approaches in engineering design. The standard encompasses both the solution-based and Standard. Biomimetics 2022, 7, 36. the problem-driven process of biomimetics. It is intended to be used in any product development https://doi.org/10.3390/ process for more biomimetic applications in the future. biomimetics7020036 Academic Editor: Marc Weissburg Keywords: innovation; product development; process; solution finding; workflow Received: 24 February 2022 Accepted: 25 March 2022 Published: 30 March 2022 1. Introduction Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral Using nature as a model, biomimetics has the potential to optimize products, save with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affil- resources, or even lead to disruptive innovations that can induce a paradigm shift [1]. The iations. number of scientific publications in the field of biomimetics has significantly increased from less than one hundred in the early 1990s to more than 2500 in 2017 [2,3]. In an unspecific search using only the search term “biomimetics,” more than 10,000 documents can be found in scientific databases and more than 100,000 in Google Scholar [4]. Success stories Copyright: © 2022 by the authors. are found from diverse fields, ranging from communication and sensory systems using Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. evolutionary strategies and optimization of materials, to architecture and design, as well This article is an open access article as fluid- and aerodynamics [1]. Additionally, due to the large number of species and their distributed under the terms and morphological diversity, it is considered that “researchers pursuing biomimetic approaches conditions of the Creative Commons have barely scratched the surface of biological inspiration” [5], and the estimated potential Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// of biomimetics for innovation is high. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ 4.0/). Biomimetics 2022, 7, 36. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics7020036 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/biomimetics Biomimetics 2022, 7, 36 2 of 11 However, the practice of biomimetics, i.e., product development based on a biological model progressing up to market-ready products, is rarely carried out. According to the BioM Innovation Database, when published in 2014, 86 commercially available products met the criteria for being considered as biomimetic, meaning that they mimic a biological function, its forms, processes, or interactions [6]. The criteria of the International Stan- dardization Organization (ISO) in ISO 18458 might even be stricter [7]. Thus, the authors assume that biomimetics, in the strict sense of ISO 18458 [7] has not yet established itself as a recognized method for product development and engineering design in practice, espe- cially in industrial procedures, due to the lack of (1) awareness, (2) an available process description, and (3) a measurable and robust benefit for the company. Based on the experience of the authors, biomimetics can offer solutions for industry in three different ways: (1) Design principles and concrete ideas that are close to the market, i.e., the biological function is clear, and its underlying working principle is easy to implement; (2) Transformational ideas, of which the biological function is clear, but its transfer and application is unclear, and (3) Research actions, in which a biological model is not yet identified, or a technical application has yet to be found. In all three cases, a general biomimetic process description is required that is adaptable and applicable to specific research questions and development projects. Moreover, the biomimetic process still exhibits various challenges in theory, research, and practice [8–10]. One of these challenges is the clear understanding of what needs to be done and how this can be achieved during the biomimetic process. In order to address this challenge, several research endeavors have focused on process descriptions, e.g., the work of [11,12] and its improvements, the usage of tools and methods to support industry adoption [13], or to consider the perspective of practitioners [14]. Due to the large variety of applications, descriptions of biomimetic approaches are often idealized and general, as seen in the international standard on biomimetics ISO 18458—terminology, concepts, and methodology [7]—or in the unified problem-driven approach [12]. ISO 18458 even states that it was impossible to find one process description that fits every project [7]. This aspect is in contrast to industrial practice, where various methodologies are used to develop different technical products, such as the domain- independent approaches, according to Pahl and Beitz [15]. In Germany, it is common to use technical standards in engineering processes, such as those developed by the Association of German Engineers (Verein Deutscher Ingenieure, VDI), like the standard VDI 2221, for example, on the design of technical products and systems [16,17], or domain-specific standards, such as VDI 2206, for the development of mechatronic products [18]. Concerning biomimetics, technical standards have been developed by the VDI for terms and definitions, as well as on specific topics such as lightweight design and optimiza- tion. These standards have become the foundation for the three international standards on biomimetics [7,19,20], which indicates the importance of standardization work on a national level. Interestingly, the standards of biomimetic methods have proven to facilitate product developments. Both international standards and technical standards are already used during biomimetic developments, as they are mentioned in three patents and in 49 scientific publications [4]. However, only a few approaches describe how biomimetic methods fit in specific technical processes, e.g., in the context of structural optimization processes in lightweight design [21] or for motion control in robotics [22]. A general linkage of biomimetic methods and general engineering methodologies has only taken place as first attempts [12,23]. Therefore, to increase the innovation potential of biomimetics, biomimetic methods need to be considered in engineering design, independent of specific existing development processes used in the respective companies. The authors assume that the missing link between biomimetic and established, clas- sical product development methodologies prevent engineers from diving deeper into biomimetics and thus could also prevent the successful implementation of biomimetics in the product development process. Additionally, a standard can help to increase the plannability and estimate potential risks. Once these aspects become more predictable, the Biomimetics 2022, 7, 36 3 of 11 acceptance of biomimetics might increase [23,24]. Therefore, several strategies have been identified to overcome these barriers and increase the number of market-ready products, i.e., (1) to describe an approach that can be adapted to individual projects [12], (2) to sup- port users with methods and tools [23,25,26], and (3) to link this approach to established working procedures already used in industry. In 2019, the VDI invited experts from various scientific disciplines and industry to collaborate and focus on step 3, i.e., to develop a technical standard that explains how to integrate biomimetics in classical product development processes, with step-by- step guidance for industrial practice. Biomimetics is defined as the “interdisciplinary cooperation of biology and technology or other fields of innovation with the goal of solving practical problems [ . . . ]” [7]. As such, it can be understood and performed in various ways, e.g., focusing on technical functional improvements and/or considering efficiency strategies for biological systems, leading to more sustainable products. Furthermore, regarding the biomimetic process, there are similarities or links to other design approaches or management activities, such as TRIZ, Design Thinking, or Circular Economy, which could have also been linked to biomimetics. In this article, a smaller group from this expert panel describes the workflow towards the new VDI Standard, VDI 6220 Part 2—Biomimetic Development Process; Products and Procedures -, which is available in German, but will soon be translated to English. The aim of this article is to present the efforts to standardize a pragmatic approach within the context of VDI standards. As such, it will help the scientific community to better under- stand the outcome of this work, i.e., the technical standard, and for anyone interested in the background information. It is the only article in the field that describes the standardization process and that emphasizes the link to classic product development processes. There- fore, the manuscript opens the scientific discussion in the field about the characteristics of biomimetics and other approaches, leading to a foundation for future work and the transformation of biomimetics. The authors want to contribute to the development of a repeatable and robust method- ology, which is considered to be a scientific challenge [27]. Since the standardization work is not known in its entirety in the academic field, the general principles of standardization work in the VDI, based on the VDI 1000—VDI Standardization Work—Principles and Pro- cedures, are also explained here. The authors consider this background information to be of value to the scientific community, as similar endeavors might take place in other countries. Finally, the article presents the integration of biomimetic methods into existing product development methodologies and facilitates access to biomimetic methods by practitioners such as designers, engineers, industrial engineers, and product managers. 2. Materials and Methods 2.1. Expert Panel for VDI 6220 Part 2 According to VDI 1000, the expert panel for VDI 6220 Part 2 included all relevant interested parties. Box 1 shows the main principles for developing a technical standard and setting up the panel. The standard committee consisted of 21 members from science, research, and industry, a secretary of the VDI, and one guest from a networking association, all of whom combined their expertise to establish an approach for the development of biomimetic products. Figure 1 shows the participants of the expert panel. According to their employment, five members were assigned to industry and 16 to science and research. Based on their field of expertise, eight belong to the engineering sciences, six have a background in biology, and seven have expertise in interdisciplinary fields such as biomimetics itself, or work between engineering sciences and natural sciences. Some of the members could be allocated to more than one field of expertise, but only their primary interest was counted. Biomimetics 2022, 7, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 11 Box 1. Procedure for developing a technical standard based on VDI 1000. VDI 1000—VDI Standardisation Work—Principles and Procedure Anyone can submit proposals for a new VDI guideline. Based on specified criteria it is checked whether an initiation of standardisation work is justified, i.e., (a) whether there is a current demand, (b) whether the topic is already covered, and (c) whether enough people from interested parties are willing to participate on a voluntary basis and contribute with their expertise. VDI standardization work serves society as a whole and is not intended to provide individuals an economic advantage. Individual members represent their personal expert perspective or reflect the per- spective of an interested party. Appointing committee members is done carefully to ensure that all relevant inter- ested parties are represented adequately. Committees develop preliminary, internal working papers for the purpose of pre- paring the manuscript oft he guideline. Decisions should be made by consensus; if this is not possible, a vote must be taken. Consensus means: “general agreement, characterized by the absence of sus- tained opposition to substantial issues by any important part of the concerned interests and by a process that involves seeking to take into account the views of all parties con- cerned and to reconcile any conflicting arguments [DIN EN 45020, 1.7]”. Whereby “Consensus need not imply unanimity. [DIN EN 45020, 1.7]”. With the publication of the draft, the general public can exert influence during the public inquiry procedure. Objections of the public are processed in the committee and, decisions are made Biomimetics 2022, 7, 36 4 of 11 by consensus or resolution and are documented. The guideline is then published and replaces the draft. Figure 1. Participants in the expert panel. B: biology; E: engineering; I: interdisciplinary. In total, 21 Figure 1. Participants in the expert panel. B: biology; E: engineering; I: interdisciplinary. In total, members, one guest, and one secretary collaborated on developing a process description for biomi- 21 members, one guest, and one secretary collaborated on developing a process description for metics. biomimetics. The committee was founded on 16 May 2019 in Düsseldorf, Germany. Overall, eleven Box 1. Procedure for developing a technical standard based on VDI 1000. meetings have led to a consensus concerning a general biomimetic development process VDI 1000—VDI Standardisation Work—Principles and Procedure description, and the group adopted the VDI standard draft on 21 September 2021. This Anyone can submit proposals for a new VDI guideline. VDI standard draft describes the methodological procedure recommended for a biomi- Based on specified criteria it is checked whether an initiation of standardisation work is justified, metic development process. With the publication of the draft, the public can comment and i.e., advise on the public inquiry procedure. A draft is not considered a generally recognized (a) whether there is a current demand, (b) whether the topic is already covered, and (c) whether enough people from interested parties are willing to participate on a voluntary basis and contribute with their expertise. VDI standardization work serves society as a whole and is not intended to provide individuals an economic advantage. Individual members represent their personal expert perspective or reflect the perspective of an interested party. Appointing committee members is done carefully to ensure that all relevant interested parties are represented adequately. Committees develop preliminary, internal working papers for the purpose of preparing the manuscript oft he guideline. Decisions should be made by consensus; if this is not possible, a vote must be taken. Consensus means: “general agreement, characterized by the absence of sustained opposition to substantial issues by any important part of the concerned interests and by a process that involves seeking to take into account the views of all parties concerned and to reconcile any conflicting arguments [DIN EN 45020, 1.7]”. Whereby “Consensus need not imply unanimity. [DIN EN 45020, 1.7]”. With the publication of the draft, the general public can exert influence during the public inquiry procedure. Objections of the public are processed in the committee and, decisions are made by consensus or resolution and are documented. The guideline is then published and replaces the draft. The committee was founded on 16 May 2019 in Düsseldorf, Germany. Overall, eleven meetings have led to a consensus concerning a general biomimetic development process description, and the group adopted the VDI standard draft on 21 September 2021. This VDI standard draft describes the methodological procedure recommended for a biomimetic development process. With the publication of the draft, the public can comment and advise on the public inquiry procedure. A draft is not considered a generally recognized rule for engineering workflows, but it can show trends of future technical progress. The public inquiry procedure starts with the publication of the draft (expected June 2022) and runs for four months. The received objections are reviewed by the committee and, in accordance Biomimetics 2022, 7, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 11 rule for engineering workflows, but it can show trends of future technical progress. The Biomimetics 2022, 7, 36 public inquiry procedure starts with the publication of the draft (expected June 2022)5 a of nd 11 runs for four months. The received objections are reviewed by the committee and, in ac- cordance with the principles of VDI standardization work, decisions are made by consen- sus or resolution and are then documented. The standard is then published, replacing the with the principles of VDI standardization work, decisions are made by consensus or draft. resolution and are then documented. The standard is then published, replacing the draft. 2.2. Standardization Work 2.2. Standardization Work In addition to the panel’s expertise and their knowledge of the state of the art, the In addition to the panel’s expertise and their knowledge of the state of the art, the new new st standar andard d cou could ld dr draw aw o on n a all ll prev previously iously publ published ished VDI VDI st standar andard ds s on on biomim biomimetics etics (see (see http://www.vdi.de/bionik; accessed on 23 February 2022) and incorporate the experience http://www.vdi.de/bionik; accessed on 23 February 2022) and incorporate the experience gained from these drafting processes. Furthermore, some panel members are also active gained from these drafting processes. Furthermore, some panel members are also active on on ot other her st standar andard dization ization c committees ommittees de dealing aling w with ith bi biomimetics, omimetics, s such uch as as DIN DIN (D (Deutsches eutsches Institut für Normung, the German Institute for Standardization) and ISO (the Interna- Institut für Normung, the German Institute for Standardization) and ISO (the International Standar tional St dization andardizat Orion ganization). Organizat Thus, ion). Th experience us, experifr enc om e fr the om the international internation committe al committees es and participating and participacommunities ting communi could ties cou also ld a be lso be incorporated incorporat into ed int theodevelopment the development of VDI of VD 6220 I Part 62202. Pa Figur rt 2. F ei2 gur summarizes e 2 summari the zestandar s the stadization ndardizat working ion working process. process. Figure 2. Flow diagram of the working process that led to VDI 6220 Part 2. Figure 2. Flow diagram of the working process that led to VDI 6220 Part 2. From the beginning of the work on VDI 6220 Part 2, special emphasis was placed on From the beginning of the work on VDI 6220 Part 2, special emphasis was placed on the fact that biomimetics should be understood as an addition to existing development the fact that biomimetics should be understood as an addition to existing development processes; thus, it addresses engineers and practitioners who use technical standards. In processes; thus, it addresses engineers and practitioners who use technical standards. In German-speaking countries, VDI 2221 Part 1 is a proven standard used in many develop- German-speaking countries, VDI 2221 Part 1 is a proven standard used in many develop- ment processes. Hence, it was selected to develop a linkage to VDI 6220 Part 2. However, ment processes. Hence, it was selected to develop a linkage to VDI 6220 Part 2. However, complementary conceptualizations in the context of biomimetics and product develop- complementary conceptualizations in the context of biomimetics and product development ment have also been discussed and considered [18,23,25,26,28,29]. have also been discussed and considered [18,23,25,26,28,29]. The production process, i.e., the discursive preparation of a standard draft, is com- The production process, i.e., the discursive preparation of a standard draft, is compara- ble parab to an le to an open open review review process process in in which wh all ich al members l memb read ers rea and dcorr and correct the texts, ect the texts, if necessary if nec- . essary. As soon as the working papers have reached a certain level of maturity, they are As soon as the working papers have reached a certain level of maturity, they are further further edited so that the finished manuscript corresponds to the consensus found by the edited so that the finished manuscript corresponds to the consensus found by the commit- tee, commi thus ttee, thus compl complying with ying wi the state th the sta of the art te of after the a therpublic t after the publ inquiry pr icocedur inquir e. y The procedure. content The content of a standard can therefore no longer be traced back to specific authors, and of a standard can therefore no longer be traced back to specific authors, and all content and all content working an documents d working documents are to be treated are tconfidentially o be treated conf until ident theial draft ly unti stage. l the dra In addition, ft stage. a standar In addit dion must , a st be and formulated ard must b as e form a very ul comp ated as acta v and ery c practicable ompact and p recommendation racticable rec for om action. men- The production process, in particular the discussions that led to the result of a technical dation for action. The production process, in particular the discussions that led to the re- standar sult of a d techni and thus cal sta to the ndastate rd anof d thus to the the art, eludes state scientific of the art, eludes scrutiny, and scient only ificthe scrcondensed utiny, and result is reported. only the condensed result is reported. 2.3. Common Language for the Biomimetic Approaches A general recommendation in standardization work is to agree on a common language accepted by all panel members. Therefore, a significant amount of committee work was devoted to selecting and defining technical terms that are used accurately in the standard. In this case, knowledge and experience from the use of the already established VDI 2221 Part 1 and Part 2, VDI 2206, and VDI 6220 Part 1 have been incorporated. Biomimetics 2022, 7, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 11 2.3. Common Language for the Biomimetic Approaches A general recommendation in standardization work is to agree on a common lan- guage accepted by all panel members. Therefore, a significant amount of committee work was devoted to selecting and defining technical terms that are used accurately in the Biomimetics 2022, 7, 36 6 of 11 standard. In this case, knowledge and experience from the use of the already established VDI 2221 Part 1 and Part 2, VDI 2206, and VDI 6220 Part 1 have been incorporated. As part of the initial definitions, the introduction to VDI 6220 Part 2 defines specific As part of the initial definitions, the introduction to VDI 6220 Part 2 defines specific biomimetic terms based on the expert panel’s knowledge and the state of the art. To biomimetic terms based on the expert panel’s knowledge and the state of the art. To achieve a common language understandable between biomimetics and classical product achieve a common language understandable between biomimetics and classical product development, terms and definitions from, e.g., VDI 2221 and VDI 6220-1 were used for development, terms and definitions from, e.g., VDI 2221 and VDI 6220-1 were used for the description of the biomimetic development process. As such, readers will be familiar the description of the biomimetic development process. As such, readers will be familiar with the wording and the explanation of the different steps of the biomimetic develop- with the wording and the explanation of the different steps of the biomimetic development ment process is clear and easy to follow. process is clear and easy to follow. 3. Results 3. Results The main achievement of the interdisciplinary work of the VDI 6220 Part 2 committee The main achievement of the interdisciplinary work of the VDI 6220 Part 2 committee isisthe the linking linkingof ofbiomimetics biomimeticswith withthe the c classical lassical pro product ductdevelopm developm ent entpr process ocess. .Figur Figure e 3 3 shows shows t the he ge general neral st structur ructue re of t of this his inter inteconnection. rconnection. F Further urther det details ailscan can be fo be found und in in VDI VDI 6220 Part 2 (draft 2022), as copyright issues do not allow reprinting content of a standard. 6220 Part 2 (draft 2022), as copyright issues do not allow reprinting content of a standard. The The st standar andar ddintr intoduces roducesbiomimetics biomimeticsas asan an iterative, iterative,9-step 9-steppr pocess rocessand andof of fers fersutilization utilization methods in different phases of the research and development process. methods in different phases of the research and development process. Figure 3. The biomimetic process of VDI 6220 Part 2 linked to the classical product development, Figure 3. The biomimetic process of VDI 6220 Part 2 linked to the classical product development, for for example, as in VDI 2221 Part 1 and Part 2. example, as in VDI 2221 Part 1 and Part 2. Dif Different options were disc ferent options were discussed ussed in the e in the expert xpert panel t paneloto illust illustrate rate the biomimet the biomimetic ic ap- approaches of problem-driven and solution-based methods, ranging from simplifying proaches of problem-driven and solution-based methods, ranging from simplifying se- sequential representations, to using a clock model or a spiral, [24], e.g., in VDI 2221 Part 1 quential representations, to using a clock model or a spiral, [24], e.g., in VDI 2221 Part 1 and VDI 2221 Part 2. While sequential representations are often easier to understand, they and VDI 2221 Part 2. While sequential representations are often easier to understand, they lack a distinct illustration of the iterative and parallel work in practice that is common for lack a distinct illustration of the iterative and parallel work in practice that is common for biomimetic working processes. Complex representations illustrate iterative and parallel biomimetic working processes. Complex representations illustrate iterative and parallel work, but users might not know where to start and what exactly needs to be done. In work, but users might not know where to start and what exactly needs to be done. In favor favor of a low threshold for users with different backgrounds, the expert panel decided to of a low threshold for users with different backgrounds, the expert panel decided to use use a spiral to represent the biomimetic approaches, with additional remarks in the text a spiral to represent the biomimetic approaches, with additional remarks in the text point- pointing to the possibility of parallel and iterative work during the process. The spiral is presented to emphasize iterations similar to the V-Model in VDI 2206, where a subsequent process begins with insights from the previous process [18]. Thus, and in contrast to existing biomimetic process representations, the chosen representation of the process is both detailed and formalized. The biomimetic spiral is split into four sections with continuous transitions. Each sec- tion represents a phase in the biomimetic approaches and contains phase-specific activities. The phases are: arrange (I), analyze (II), abstract (III), and apply (IV) and are similar to other Biomimetics 2022, 7, 36 7 of 11 process descriptions of biomimetics [12]. The spiral encompasses both the solution-based and the problem-driven approach of biomimetics. When beginning a problem-driven approach, the starting point is at the top of the product development process, with the link to biomimetic methods at the end of the planning, concept development, and design phase. The starting point for the solution-based approach is in the center of the biomimetic spiral. The Classical Product Development Process and Its Link with the Biomimetic Approach The development process according to VDI 2221 Part 1, with the division into the four product development phases (planning, concept development, implementation in design, and elaboration) as introduced by Pahl and Beitz, was chosen intentionally for the classical product development process [15,16]. This choice is because this methodology is well established in industry, and the development process is generic so that it can be applied to a wide range of products (including processes), regardless of the domain. According to VDI 2221, the general product development process is to go through a problem-solving process from a problem to a possible solution. An essential part of developing technical products is the search for solutions, which is mainly carried out in the concept development phase. In the context of the classical product development process, several methods (for finding solutions in the concept development phase) are already provided to support engineers, e.g., morphological boxes and classification schemes [30,31]. By linking the classical product development process with the biomimetic approaches, the classical development process receives a further branch, represented by the bridge in Figure 3, and connected with the methods and contents from VDI 6220-2. The linkage of the product development process with the problem-driven biomimetic approach begins after the planning phase and ends at the end of the concept development phase (or at the start of the implementation in design phase). This extension of the classical develop- ment process to a separate but related biomimetic process allows for the expansion of the solution space through the biological-biomimetic domain, subsequently increasing the successful implementation of these found solutions. Both the classical process and the iterative biomimetic approach benefit from the knowledge of the other, e.g., new insights during the product development process might require another iteration in the biomimetic spiral, while insights during this iteration might trigger additional activities in the product development process. One prerequisite to begin the overall process of the biomimetic approaches is the willingness to dive into biology, to have a basis of biological know-how [8] or at least to collaborate. Several efforts have already been made to systematize the search for biological solutions. Ontologies and keyword finders help to make the search more precise, as well as databases and programs on the World Wide Web, some of which are freely available, to find suitable models. A listing can be found in VDI 6220 Part 2, Beismann 2018 [23] or Wanieck et al., 2017 [26]. However, all previous approaches have their limitations, either due to the abundance of possible solutions in nature or due to the lack of knowledge about the biological models. The expert panel did not choose specific tools, databases, or methods to include during the process, but they are mentioned in the technical standard. Therefore, it might be necessary to conduct additional biological investigations during the process. This should be encouraged so that the transfer and interdisciplinary technological implementation process is further supported. However, VDI 6220-2 does not provide biological methods to improve the knowledge on the biological system, but primarily proposes methods to transfer existing biological knowledge to engineering problems with interdisciplinary teams—one core step in the biomimetic approach. VDI 6220 Part 2 is composed so that anyone interested in the topic can explore the approaches and its outcomes. The biomimetic approaches clearly benefit from interdisciplinarity and teamwork. Sometimes, bioinspiration comes from unexpected domains that cannot be planned, but which require an open-minded team to be recognized. Biomimetics 2022, 7, 36 8 of 11 In the case of a solution-based approach, the product development process starts from within the spiral. This process is mainly initiated by biologists that collaborate with engineers when entering the product development process. 4. Discussion The new standard VDI 6220 Part 2 links biomimetics to the classical product develop- ment process commonly used by engineers. For this purpose, the expert panel agreed that biomimetics, in this case, is understood primarily as a supplement to existing development processes to enable its linkage into already established processes, instead of introducing a new, stand-alone process. This aspect might help reduce inhibitions and increase the usage of biomimetics in technical fields of industry with engineers as the primary users of VDI standards. Hence, it is an addition to the product development process, such as VDI 2221. Nevertheless, the intensive work that needs to be done during a biomimetic devel- opment process remains, along with some of its challenges. Some of these challenges are: (1) Product designs are based on human-made decisions, whereas biological solutions result from evolution. Thus, structural and functional solutions in organisms have design constraints, such as phylogenetic, functional, morphogenetic, and environmental limita- tions [32]. (2) During the biomimetic working process, the transferability and scalability of the biological model have to be analyzed [33,34]. A body shape that might be advantageous at high Reynolds numbers might not be as efficient at low Reynolds numbers, given that here, viscous forces instead of inertial forces are dominating [32]. (3) Multifunctionality in biological systems might hinder the extraction of a single desired working principle [24], or biological principles might lose their functionality when applied to different scale dimen- sions [32]. (4) On the technical side, feasibility might be limited through the current state of manufacturing processes, such as the production of hierarchically organized materials or dynamic, sensor-integrated systems. Finally, (5) biomimetic developments might take longer than classical ones, with an average development time of 6–9 years [1]. Even though biomimetics has been described as an additional method for an engi- neering process within the new VDI standard, it can also be described as an individual field of research. It is still possible to follow the biomimetic process on its own as an essential method for solution-finding, especially with the solution-based approach. Even if the difference of how to use biomimetics may seem to be slight, using biomimetics as an integral part of product engineering may remove obstacles for the uptake of biomimetics in general, as it relies on existing well-known design processes. In biomimetics, communication across disciplines has been discussed several times as a challenge which must be overcome [1,25]. The expert panel needed to find a common language within the committee itself and especially for the description of the biomimetic approaches in the technical standard. Therefore, it was also decided to use and integrate definitions and terms from classical engineering design for the biomimetic process. Specific biomimetic definitions were defined by consensus of the expert panel, while common technical terms were adapted from the existing standards. As such, the biomimetic develop- ment process adjusts to the engineering process, and this might further remove inhibitions. In the past, the motivation for describing biomimetics was meant first, to raise awareness so that users are motivated to consider this approach at all, and second, to simplify the various steps which need to be performed to make it easier to understand. This simplification led to a lack of preciseness concerning the usage of specific terms, while in contrast, classical product development reflects a clear terminology and understanding of its procedures. Therefore, using a common language is assumed to make the biomimetic process easier, possibly increase its usage. The definitions of the terms bionics and biomimetics, which are strictly used in the VDI standards, may be discussed anew, in the future, because these two terms are increasingly being used synonymously. The work of the VDI 6220-2 committee was an inter- and transdisciplinary endeavor, including academics and practitioners from industry. The aim was to achieve a consensus in understanding the process itself and to describe a process that is oriented towards Biomimetics 2022, 7, 36 9 of 11 industrial uptake and application. This occurred by taking the needs and expectations of the industry into consideration, since their representatives were part of the panel. Having such a large and diverse expert panel may cause problems. Despite careful selection of the interested parties, stakeholders may join the committee later during the working process of developing a standard. In the early phase of the development process, new ideas or even fundamental decisions are introduced and discussed. The introduction of new ideas in the later phases of standard development often impedes the process and should therefore be avoided by involving all interested parties from the beginning, or considering these new ideas again during the objection phase. For this reason, it often makes sense to start the standardization work towards a technical standard at the national level and to introduce the result into international discussions as a national consensus. The general development process in Germany is highly influenced by the engineering sciences, and the focus of biomimetics is mainly on technical innovation. In other countries, the focus of biomimetics or its usage may differ; for instance, the focus might be primarily towards sustainable development. It would be interesting to see how other countries would set up such a standard and encourage international discussions that might be considered in future revisions of the presented VDI standard. An advantage of a standard compared to a scientific publication is that its content is based on consensus. However, the development of a new standard requires at least three years of work before publication, and often more. Therefore, even if the state of the art is defined by a standard, it often lags behind the latest developments. Therefore, a standard must be checked regularly to ensure that it is up to date and, if necessary, it requires revision. At the VDI, revision happens every five years to ensure that the standard is adapted to the latest developments [35]. 5. Conclusions The main objective of the interdisciplinary expert panel developing the new standard VDI 6220 Part 2 was to provide engineers who are familiar with the classical product development standards with support for the development of biomimetic products. As usual for new standards, there is not yet an experience of how the VDI 6220 Part 2 has been received. The assumption that VDI 6220 Part 2 contributes to improvement must be evaluated in practice. Therefore, subsequent work will need to study how engineers and/or biologists are able to work with this new standard and whether there is an increase in marketable biomimetic products. Research on the acceptance of the new VDI Standard in the classical technical product development process, as well as its application in the development of new biomimetic products, will therefore be carried out in follow-up studies. If an international standard on the methodology of biomimetics is established in the future, VDI 6220 Part 2 will be discussed internationally, and further approaches could be incorporated in an ensuing revised version. Author Contributions: Conceptualization, H.B., E.U. and M.B.; methodology, K.W., L.H., M.B., E.U., M.H., M.D. and H.B.; investigation, K.W., L.H., M.B., E.U., M.H., M.D. and H.B.; writing—original draft preparation, H.B., E.U., M.B., L.H. and K.W.; writing—review and editing, K.W., L.H., M.B., E.U., M.H., M.D. and H.B.; visualization, E.U. and M.B.; supervision, K.W. and H.B.; project administration, K.W. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. Funding: This research received no external funding. Institutional Review Board Statement: Not applicable. Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable. Data Availability Statement: Not applicable. Acknowledgments: The authors would like to thank the entire expert panel for their cooperation during the preparation of VDI 6220 Part 2 and for their valuable contributions. The authors also thank the VDI for technical support. Biomimetics 2022, 7, 36 10 of 11 Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest. Standards Infopoint: Current VDI standards can be read at public display points. A map of the locations can be found here: https://www.beuth.de/en/standards/see-standards-in-person-#/ (accessed on 23 February 2022). VDI standards are commercially available from the publisher Beuth-Verlag: https://www.beuth.de/en/webshop (accessed on 23 February 2022). References 1. Chirazi, J.; Wanieck, K.; Fayemi, P.-E.; Zollfrank, C.; Jacobs, S. What Do We Learn from Good Practices of Biologically Inspired Design in Innovation? Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 650. [CrossRef] 2. Lenau, T.A.; Metze, A.-L.; Hesselberg, T. Paradigms for biologically inspired design. Bioinspir. Biomim. Bioreplication VIII 2018, 10593, 1059302. [CrossRef] 3. Lepora, N.F.; Verschure, P.; Prescott, T.J. The state of the art in biomimetics. Bioinspir. Biomim. 2013, 8, 13001. [CrossRef] 4. Wanieck, K.; Beismann, H. Perception and role of standards in the world of biomimetics. Bioinspir. Biomim. Nanobiomater. 2021, 10, 8–15. [CrossRef] 5. Snell-Rood, E. Interdisciplinarity: Bring biologists into biomimetics. Nature 2016, 529, 277–278. [CrossRef] [PubMed] 6. Jacobs, S.R.; Nichol, E.C.; Helms, M.E. “Where Are We Now and Where Are We Going?” The BioM Innovation Database. J. Mech. Des. 2014, 136, 111101. [CrossRef] 7. ISO 18458:2015; Biomimetics—Terminology, Concepts and Methodology. ISO: Geneva, Switzerland, 2015. 8. Graeff, E.; Maranzana, N.; Aoussat, A. Biological Practices and Fields, Missing Pieces of the Biomimetics’ Methodological Puzzle. Biomimetics 2020, 5, 62. [CrossRef] [PubMed] 9. Blamires, S.J.; Spicer, P.T.; Flanagan, P.J. Spider Silk Biomimetics Programs to Inform the Development of New Wearable Technologies. Front. Mater. 2020, 7, 29. [CrossRef] 10. Rovalo, E.; McCardle, J. Performance Based Abstraction of Biomimicry Design Principles using Prototyping. Designs 2019, 3, 38. [CrossRef] 11. Helms, M.; Vattam, S.S.; Goel, A.K. Biologically inspired design: Process and products. Des. Stud. 2009, 30, 606–622. [CrossRef] 12. Fayemi, P.E.; Wanieck, K.; Zollfrank, C.; Maranzana, N.; Aoussat, A. Biomimetics: Process, tools and practice. Bioinspir. Biomim. 2017, 12, 11002. [CrossRef] [PubMed] 13. Kruiper, R.; Vincent, J.F.V.; Abraham, E.; Soar, R.C.; Konstas, I.; Chen-Burger, J.; Desmulliez, M.P.Y. Towards a Design Process for Computer-Aided Biomimetics. Biomimetics 2018, 3, 14. [CrossRef] [PubMed] 14. Graeff, E.; Letard, A.; Raskin, K.; Maranzana, N.; Aoussat, A. Biomimetics from practical feedback to an interdisciplinary process. Res. Eng. Des. 2021, 32, 349–375. [CrossRef] 15. Bender, B.; Gericke, K. Pahl/Beitz Konstruktionslehre; Springer: Berlin/Heidelberg, Germany, 2021. 16. VDI—Verein Deutscher Ingenieure e.V. Design of Technical Products and Systems—Model of Product Design. Beuth Verlag (2221 Part 1). Available online: https://www.vdi.de/richtlinien/details/vdi-2221-blatt-1-entwicklung-technischer-produkte-und- systeme-modell-der-produktentwicklung (accessed on 11 January 2022). 17. VDI—Verein Deutscher Ingenieure e.V. Design of Technical Products and Systems—Configuration of Individual Product Design Pro- cesses. Beuth Verlag (2221 Part 2). 2019. Available online: https://www.vdi.de/richtlinien/details/vdi-2221-blatt-2-entwicklung- technischer-produkte-und-systeme-gestaltung-individueller-produktentwicklungsprozesse (accessed on 11 January 2022). 18. VDI—Verein Deutscher Ingenieure e.V. Development of Mechatronic and Cyber-Physical Systems. Beuth Verlag (2206). 2021. Available online: https://www.vdi.de/richtlinien/details/vdivde-2206-entwicklung-mechatronischer-und-cyber-physischer- systeme (accessed on 11 January 2022). 19. ISO 18459:2015; Biomimetics—Biomimetic Structural Optimization. ISO: Geneva, Switzerland, 2015. 20. ISO 18457:2016; Biomimetics—Biomimetic Materials, Structures and Components. ISO: Geneva, Switzerland, 2016. 21. Klein, B. Leichtbau-Konstruktion. Berechnungsgrundlagen und Gestaltung, 10th ed.; Springer eBook Collection Computer Science and Engineering; Springer Vieweg: Wiesbaden, Germany, 2013. 22. Bartz, M.; Gößling, R.; Remus, R.; Bender, B. Development of a bioinspired approach for the design of kinematic chains. In Proceedings of the DESIGN 2018 15th International Design Conference, Zagreb, Croatia, 21–24 May 2018; Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb: Zagreb, Croatia; The Design Society: Glasgow, UK, 2018; pp. 975–984. [CrossRef] 23. Beismann, H. Bionik in Entwicklungsprozesse integrieren. In Bionik in der Strukturoptimierung: Praxishandbuch für Ressourcenef- fizienten Leichtbau; Sauer, A., Ed.; Vogel Business Media: Wurzburg, Germany, 2018. 24. Wolff, J.O.; Wells, D.; Reid, C.R.; Blamires, S.J. Clarity of objectives and working principles enhances the success of biomimetic programs. Bioinspir. Biomim. 2017, 12, 51001. [CrossRef] [PubMed] 25. Hollermann, M. Enabling Biomimetics. Development and Evaluation of a Biomimetic Methodology for Supporting Creativity in Product Innovation. Master ’s Thesis, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany, 2012. 26. Wanieck, K.; Fayemi, P.E.; Maranzana, N.; Zollfrank, C.; Jacobs, S. Biomimetics and its tools. Bioinspir. Biomim. Nanobiomater. 2017, 6, 53–66. [CrossRef] 27. Goel, A.; AcAdams, D.; Srone, R. (Eds.) Biologically Inspired Design; Springer: London, UK, 2014. Biomimetics 2022, 7, 36 11 of 11 28. Drack, M. Towards a Formalisation of Biomimetics via Engineering Design Concepts. In Tagungsband Bionik-Konress: Patente aus der Natur; Gesellschaft für Technische Biologie und Bionik: Bremen, Germany, 2016; pp. 92–102. 29. Witte, H.; Schilling, C. Bionik in der Biomechatronik. In Bionik: Patente aus der Natur, Tagungsbeiträge, 9. Bionik-Kongress; Kesel, A.B., Zehren, D., Eds.; Bionik-Innovations-Centrum (B-I-C): Bremen, Germany, 2016; pp. 114–123. 30. Ehrlenspiel, K.; Meerkamm, H. Integrierte Produktentwicklung. In Denkabläufe, Methodeneinsatz, Zusammenarbeit, 5th ed.; Hanser eLibrary; Hanser Verlag: München, Germany, 2013. 31. Lindemann, U. Methodische Entwicklung technischer Produkte. In Methoden Flexibel und Situationsgerecht Anwenden, 3rd ed.; VDI-Buch; Springer: Berlin/Heidelberg, Germany, 2009. 32. Perricone, V.; Santulli, C.; Rendina, F.; Langella, C. Organismal Design and Biomimetics: A Problem of Scale. Biomimetics 2021, 6, 56. [CrossRef] [PubMed] 33. Bach, D.; Schmich, F.; Masselter, T.; Speck, T. A review of selected pumping systems in nature and engineering–potential biomimetic concepts for improving displacement pumps and pulsation damping. Bioinspir. Biomim. 2015, 10, 51001. [CrossRef] 34. Hamann, L.; Blanke, A. Suspension feeders: Diversity, principles of particle separation and biomimetic potential. J. R. Soc. Interface 2022, 19, 20210741. [CrossRef] 35. VDI—Verein Deutscher Ingenieure e.V. VDI-Richtlinienarbeit/VDI Standardisation Work. Grundsätze und Anleitungen/Principles and Procedures. Beuth-Verlag, Berlin(VDI 1000) (Februar/Febuary 2021). Available online: https://www.beuth.de/en/technical- rule/vdi-1000/333714029 (accessed on 11 January 2022). http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Biomimetics Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute

Biomimetics Linked to Classical Product Development: An Interdisciplinary Endeavor to Develop a Technical Standard

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biomimetics Article Biomimetics Linked to Classical Product Development: An Interdisciplinary Endeavor to Develop a Technical Standard 1 2 3 4 5 6 Kristina Wanieck , Leandra Hamann , Marcel Bartz , Eike Uttich , Markus Hollermann , Manfred Drack 7 , and Heike Beismann * Faculty of Applied Informatics, Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT), Teaching Area Biomimetics and Innovation, Grafenauer Str. 22, 94078 Freyung, Germany; kristina.wanieck@th-deg.de Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Animal Ecology, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany; lhamann@evolution.uni-bonn.com Engineering Design, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Martensstraße 9, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; bartz@mfk.fau.de Product Development, Institute Product and Service Engineering, Faculty Mechanical Engineering, Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB), Universitaetsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany; uttich@lpe.rub.de Die Bioniker GbR/ELISE GmbH, Consulting & Development, Im Mersch 14, 49577 Eggermühlen, Germany; markushollermann@diebioniker.de Evolutionary Biology of Invertebrates, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 28E, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; manfred.drack@uni-tuebingen.de Department of Mechanical Engineering, Westphalian University of Applied Sciences, Teaching Area Biology and Biomimetics, Münsterstr. 265, 46397 Bocholt, Germany * Correspondence: heike.beismann@w-hs.de; Tel.: +49-2871-2155-944 Abstract: Biomimetics is a well-known approach for technical innovation. However, most of its influence remains in the academic field. One option for increasing its application in the practice of Citation: Wanieck, K.; Hamann, L.; technical design is to enhance the use of the biomimetic process with a step-by-step standard, building Bartz, M.; Uttich, E.; Hollermann, M.; a bridge to common engineering procedures. This article presents the endeavor of an interdisciplinary Drack, M.; Beismann, H. Biomimetics expert panel from the fields of biology, engineering science, and industry to develop a standard that Linked to Classical Product links biomimetics to the classical processes of product development and engineering design. This Development: An Interdisciplinary new standard, VDI 6220 Part 2, proposes a process description that is compatible and connectable to Endeavor to Develop a Technical classical approaches in engineering design. The standard encompasses both the solution-based and Standard. Biomimetics 2022, 7, 36. the problem-driven process of biomimetics. It is intended to be used in any product development https://doi.org/10.3390/ process for more biomimetic applications in the future. biomimetics7020036 Academic Editor: Marc Weissburg Keywords: innovation; product development; process; solution finding; workflow Received: 24 February 2022 Accepted: 25 March 2022 Published: 30 March 2022 1. Introduction Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral Using nature as a model, biomimetics has the potential to optimize products, save with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affil- resources, or even lead to disruptive innovations that can induce a paradigm shift [1]. The iations. number of scientific publications in the field of biomimetics has significantly increased from less than one hundred in the early 1990s to more than 2500 in 2017 [2,3]. In an unspecific search using only the search term “biomimetics,” more than 10,000 documents can be found in scientific databases and more than 100,000 in Google Scholar [4]. Success stories Copyright: © 2022 by the authors. are found from diverse fields, ranging from communication and sensory systems using Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. evolutionary strategies and optimization of materials, to architecture and design, as well This article is an open access article as fluid- and aerodynamics [1]. Additionally, due to the large number of species and their distributed under the terms and morphological diversity, it is considered that “researchers pursuing biomimetic approaches conditions of the Creative Commons have barely scratched the surface of biological inspiration” [5], and the estimated potential Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// of biomimetics for innovation is high. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ 4.0/). Biomimetics 2022, 7, 36. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics7020036 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/biomimetics Biomimetics 2022, 7, 36 2 of 11 However, the practice of biomimetics, i.e., product development based on a biological model progressing up to market-ready products, is rarely carried out. According to the BioM Innovation Database, when published in 2014, 86 commercially available products met the criteria for being considered as biomimetic, meaning that they mimic a biological function, its forms, processes, or interactions [6]. The criteria of the International Stan- dardization Organization (ISO) in ISO 18458 might even be stricter [7]. Thus, the authors assume that biomimetics, in the strict sense of ISO 18458 [7] has not yet established itself as a recognized method for product development and engineering design in practice, espe- cially in industrial procedures, due to the lack of (1) awareness, (2) an available process description, and (3) a measurable and robust benefit for the company. Based on the experience of the authors, biomimetics can offer solutions for industry in three different ways: (1) Design principles and concrete ideas that are close to the market, i.e., the biological function is clear, and its underlying working principle is easy to implement; (2) Transformational ideas, of which the biological function is clear, but its transfer and application is unclear, and (3) Research actions, in which a biological model is not yet identified, or a technical application has yet to be found. In all three cases, a general biomimetic process description is required that is adaptable and applicable to specific research questions and development projects. Moreover, the biomimetic process still exhibits various challenges in theory, research, and practice [8–10]. One of these challenges is the clear understanding of what needs to be done and how this can be achieved during the biomimetic process. In order to address this challenge, several research endeavors have focused on process descriptions, e.g., the work of [11,12] and its improvements, the usage of tools and methods to support industry adoption [13], or to consider the perspective of practitioners [14]. Due to the large variety of applications, descriptions of biomimetic approaches are often idealized and general, as seen in the international standard on biomimetics ISO 18458—terminology, concepts, and methodology [7]—or in the unified problem-driven approach [12]. ISO 18458 even states that it was impossible to find one process description that fits every project [7]. This aspect is in contrast to industrial practice, where various methodologies are used to develop different technical products, such as the domain- independent approaches, according to Pahl and Beitz [15]. In Germany, it is common to use technical standards in engineering processes, such as those developed by the Association of German Engineers (Verein Deutscher Ingenieure, VDI), like the standard VDI 2221, for example, on the design of technical products and systems [16,17], or domain-specific standards, such as VDI 2206, for the development of mechatronic products [18]. Concerning biomimetics, technical standards have been developed by the VDI for terms and definitions, as well as on specific topics such as lightweight design and optimiza- tion. These standards have become the foundation for the three international standards on biomimetics [7,19,20], which indicates the importance of standardization work on a national level. Interestingly, the standards of biomimetic methods have proven to facilitate product developments. Both international standards and technical standards are already used during biomimetic developments, as they are mentioned in three patents and in 49 scientific publications [4]. However, only a few approaches describe how biomimetic methods fit in specific technical processes, e.g., in the context of structural optimization processes in lightweight design [21] or for motion control in robotics [22]. A general linkage of biomimetic methods and general engineering methodologies has only taken place as first attempts [12,23]. Therefore, to increase the innovation potential of biomimetics, biomimetic methods need to be considered in engineering design, independent of specific existing development processes used in the respective companies. The authors assume that the missing link between biomimetic and established, clas- sical product development methodologies prevent engineers from diving deeper into biomimetics and thus could also prevent the successful implementation of biomimetics in the product development process. Additionally, a standard can help to increase the plannability and estimate potential risks. Once these aspects become more predictable, the Biomimetics 2022, 7, 36 3 of 11 acceptance of biomimetics might increase [23,24]. Therefore, several strategies have been identified to overcome these barriers and increase the number of market-ready products, i.e., (1) to describe an approach that can be adapted to individual projects [12], (2) to sup- port users with methods and tools [23,25,26], and (3) to link this approach to established working procedures already used in industry. In 2019, the VDI invited experts from various scientific disciplines and industry to collaborate and focus on step 3, i.e., to develop a technical standard that explains how to integrate biomimetics in classical product development processes, with step-by- step guidance for industrial practice. Biomimetics is defined as the “interdisciplinary cooperation of biology and technology or other fields of innovation with the goal of solving practical problems [ . . . ]” [7]. As such, it can be understood and performed in various ways, e.g., focusing on technical functional improvements and/or considering efficiency strategies for biological systems, leading to more sustainable products. Furthermore, regarding the biomimetic process, there are similarities or links to other design approaches or management activities, such as TRIZ, Design Thinking, or Circular Economy, which could have also been linked to biomimetics. In this article, a smaller group from this expert panel describes the workflow towards the new VDI Standard, VDI 6220 Part 2—Biomimetic Development Process; Products and Procedures -, which is available in German, but will soon be translated to English. The aim of this article is to present the efforts to standardize a pragmatic approach within the context of VDI standards. As such, it will help the scientific community to better under- stand the outcome of this work, i.e., the technical standard, and for anyone interested in the background information. It is the only article in the field that describes the standardization process and that emphasizes the link to classic product development processes. There- fore, the manuscript opens the scientific discussion in the field about the characteristics of biomimetics and other approaches, leading to a foundation for future work and the transformation of biomimetics. The authors want to contribute to the development of a repeatable and robust method- ology, which is considered to be a scientific challenge [27]. Since the standardization work is not known in its entirety in the academic field, the general principles of standardization work in the VDI, based on the VDI 1000—VDI Standardization Work—Principles and Pro- cedures, are also explained here. The authors consider this background information to be of value to the scientific community, as similar endeavors might take place in other countries. Finally, the article presents the integration of biomimetic methods into existing product development methodologies and facilitates access to biomimetic methods by practitioners such as designers, engineers, industrial engineers, and product managers. 2. Materials and Methods 2.1. Expert Panel for VDI 6220 Part 2 According to VDI 1000, the expert panel for VDI 6220 Part 2 included all relevant interested parties. Box 1 shows the main principles for developing a technical standard and setting up the panel. The standard committee consisted of 21 members from science, research, and industry, a secretary of the VDI, and one guest from a networking association, all of whom combined their expertise to establish an approach for the development of biomimetic products. Figure 1 shows the participants of the expert panel. According to their employment, five members were assigned to industry and 16 to science and research. Based on their field of expertise, eight belong to the engineering sciences, six have a background in biology, and seven have expertise in interdisciplinary fields such as biomimetics itself, or work between engineering sciences and natural sciences. Some of the members could be allocated to more than one field of expertise, but only their primary interest was counted. Biomimetics 2022, 7, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 11 Box 1. Procedure for developing a technical standard based on VDI 1000. VDI 1000—VDI Standardisation Work—Principles and Procedure Anyone can submit proposals for a new VDI guideline. Based on specified criteria it is checked whether an initiation of standardisation work is justified, i.e., (a) whether there is a current demand, (b) whether the topic is already covered, and (c) whether enough people from interested parties are willing to participate on a voluntary basis and contribute with their expertise. VDI standardization work serves society as a whole and is not intended to provide individuals an economic advantage. Individual members represent their personal expert perspective or reflect the per- spective of an interested party. Appointing committee members is done carefully to ensure that all relevant inter- ested parties are represented adequately. Committees develop preliminary, internal working papers for the purpose of pre- paring the manuscript oft he guideline. Decisions should be made by consensus; if this is not possible, a vote must be taken. Consensus means: “general agreement, characterized by the absence of sus- tained opposition to substantial issues by any important part of the concerned interests and by a process that involves seeking to take into account the views of all parties con- cerned and to reconcile any conflicting arguments [DIN EN 45020, 1.7]”. Whereby “Consensus need not imply unanimity. [DIN EN 45020, 1.7]”. With the publication of the draft, the general public can exert influence during the public inquiry procedure. Objections of the public are processed in the committee and, decisions are made Biomimetics 2022, 7, 36 4 of 11 by consensus or resolution and are documented. The guideline is then published and replaces the draft. Figure 1. Participants in the expert panel. B: biology; E: engineering; I: interdisciplinary. In total, 21 Figure 1. Participants in the expert panel. B: biology; E: engineering; I: interdisciplinary. In total, members, one guest, and one secretary collaborated on developing a process description for biomi- 21 members, one guest, and one secretary collaborated on developing a process description for metics. biomimetics. The committee was founded on 16 May 2019 in Düsseldorf, Germany. Overall, eleven Box 1. Procedure for developing a technical standard based on VDI 1000. meetings have led to a consensus concerning a general biomimetic development process VDI 1000—VDI Standardisation Work—Principles and Procedure description, and the group adopted the VDI standard draft on 21 September 2021. This Anyone can submit proposals for a new VDI guideline. VDI standard draft describes the methodological procedure recommended for a biomi- Based on specified criteria it is checked whether an initiation of standardisation work is justified, metic development process. With the publication of the draft, the public can comment and i.e., advise on the public inquiry procedure. A draft is not considered a generally recognized (a) whether there is a current demand, (b) whether the topic is already covered, and (c) whether enough people from interested parties are willing to participate on a voluntary basis and contribute with their expertise. VDI standardization work serves society as a whole and is not intended to provide individuals an economic advantage. Individual members represent their personal expert perspective or reflect the perspective of an interested party. Appointing committee members is done carefully to ensure that all relevant interested parties are represented adequately. Committees develop preliminary, internal working papers for the purpose of preparing the manuscript oft he guideline. Decisions should be made by consensus; if this is not possible, a vote must be taken. Consensus means: “general agreement, characterized by the absence of sustained opposition to substantial issues by any important part of the concerned interests and by a process that involves seeking to take into account the views of all parties concerned and to reconcile any conflicting arguments [DIN EN 45020, 1.7]”. Whereby “Consensus need not imply unanimity. [DIN EN 45020, 1.7]”. With the publication of the draft, the general public can exert influence during the public inquiry procedure. Objections of the public are processed in the committee and, decisions are made by consensus or resolution and are documented. The guideline is then published and replaces the draft. The committee was founded on 16 May 2019 in Düsseldorf, Germany. Overall, eleven meetings have led to a consensus concerning a general biomimetic development process description, and the group adopted the VDI standard draft on 21 September 2021. This VDI standard draft describes the methodological procedure recommended for a biomimetic development process. With the publication of the draft, the public can comment and advise on the public inquiry procedure. A draft is not considered a generally recognized rule for engineering workflows, but it can show trends of future technical progress. The public inquiry procedure starts with the publication of the draft (expected June 2022) and runs for four months. The received objections are reviewed by the committee and, in accordance Biomimetics 2022, 7, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 11 rule for engineering workflows, but it can show trends of future technical progress. The Biomimetics 2022, 7, 36 public inquiry procedure starts with the publication of the draft (expected June 2022)5 a of nd 11 runs for four months. The received objections are reviewed by the committee and, in ac- cordance with the principles of VDI standardization work, decisions are made by consen- sus or resolution and are then documented. The standard is then published, replacing the with the principles of VDI standardization work, decisions are made by consensus or draft. resolution and are then documented. The standard is then published, replacing the draft. 2.2. Standardization Work 2.2. Standardization Work In addition to the panel’s expertise and their knowledge of the state of the art, the In addition to the panel’s expertise and their knowledge of the state of the art, the new new st standar andard d cou could ld dr draw aw o on n a all ll prev previously iously publ published ished VDI VDI st standar andard ds s on on biomim biomimetics etics (see (see http://www.vdi.de/bionik; accessed on 23 February 2022) and incorporate the experience http://www.vdi.de/bionik; accessed on 23 February 2022) and incorporate the experience gained from these drafting processes. Furthermore, some panel members are also active gained from these drafting processes. Furthermore, some panel members are also active on on ot other her st standar andard dization ization c committees ommittees de dealing aling w with ith bi biomimetics, omimetics, s such uch as as DIN DIN (D (Deutsches eutsches Institut für Normung, the German Institute for Standardization) and ISO (the Interna- Institut für Normung, the German Institute for Standardization) and ISO (the International Standar tional St dization andardizat Orion ganization). Organizat Thus, ion). Th experience us, experifr enc om e fr the om the international internation committe al committees es and participating and participacommunities ting communi could ties cou also ld a be lso be incorporated incorporat into ed int theodevelopment the development of VDI of VD 6220 I Part 62202. Pa Figur rt 2. F ei2 gur summarizes e 2 summari the zestandar s the stadization ndardizat working ion working process. process. Figure 2. Flow diagram of the working process that led to VDI 6220 Part 2. Figure 2. Flow diagram of the working process that led to VDI 6220 Part 2. From the beginning of the work on VDI 6220 Part 2, special emphasis was placed on From the beginning of the work on VDI 6220 Part 2, special emphasis was placed on the fact that biomimetics should be understood as an addition to existing development the fact that biomimetics should be understood as an addition to existing development processes; thus, it addresses engineers and practitioners who use technical standards. In processes; thus, it addresses engineers and practitioners who use technical standards. In German-speaking countries, VDI 2221 Part 1 is a proven standard used in many develop- German-speaking countries, VDI 2221 Part 1 is a proven standard used in many develop- ment processes. Hence, it was selected to develop a linkage to VDI 6220 Part 2. However, ment processes. Hence, it was selected to develop a linkage to VDI 6220 Part 2. However, complementary conceptualizations in the context of biomimetics and product develop- complementary conceptualizations in the context of biomimetics and product development ment have also been discussed and considered [18,23,25,26,28,29]. have also been discussed and considered [18,23,25,26,28,29]. The production process, i.e., the discursive preparation of a standard draft, is com- The production process, i.e., the discursive preparation of a standard draft, is compara- ble parab to an le to an open open review review process process in in which wh all ich al members l memb read ers rea and dcorr and correct the texts, ect the texts, if necessary if nec- . essary. As soon as the working papers have reached a certain level of maturity, they are As soon as the working papers have reached a certain level of maturity, they are further further edited so that the finished manuscript corresponds to the consensus found by the edited so that the finished manuscript corresponds to the consensus found by the commit- tee, commi thus ttee, thus compl complying with ying wi the state th the sta of the art te of after the a therpublic t after the publ inquiry pr icocedur inquir e. y The procedure. content The content of a standard can therefore no longer be traced back to specific authors, and of a standard can therefore no longer be traced back to specific authors, and all content and all content working an documents d working documents are to be treated are tconfidentially o be treated conf until ident theial draft ly unti stage. l the dra In addition, ft stage. a standar In addit dion must , a st be and formulated ard must b as e form a very ul comp ated as acta v and ery c practicable ompact and p recommendation racticable rec for om action. men- The production process, in particular the discussions that led to the result of a technical dation for action. The production process, in particular the discussions that led to the re- standar sult of a d techni and thus cal sta to the ndastate rd anof d thus to the the art, eludes state scientific of the art, eludes scrutiny, and scient only ificthe scrcondensed utiny, and result is reported. only the condensed result is reported. 2.3. Common Language for the Biomimetic Approaches A general recommendation in standardization work is to agree on a common language accepted by all panel members. Therefore, a significant amount of committee work was devoted to selecting and defining technical terms that are used accurately in the standard. In this case, knowledge and experience from the use of the already established VDI 2221 Part 1 and Part 2, VDI 2206, and VDI 6220 Part 1 have been incorporated. Biomimetics 2022, 7, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 11 2.3. Common Language for the Biomimetic Approaches A general recommendation in standardization work is to agree on a common lan- guage accepted by all panel members. Therefore, a significant amount of committee work was devoted to selecting and defining technical terms that are used accurately in the Biomimetics 2022, 7, 36 6 of 11 standard. In this case, knowledge and experience from the use of the already established VDI 2221 Part 1 and Part 2, VDI 2206, and VDI 6220 Part 1 have been incorporated. As part of the initial definitions, the introduction to VDI 6220 Part 2 defines specific As part of the initial definitions, the introduction to VDI 6220 Part 2 defines specific biomimetic terms based on the expert panel’s knowledge and the state of the art. To biomimetic terms based on the expert panel’s knowledge and the state of the art. To achieve a common language understandable between biomimetics and classical product achieve a common language understandable between biomimetics and classical product development, terms and definitions from, e.g., VDI 2221 and VDI 6220-1 were used for development, terms and definitions from, e.g., VDI 2221 and VDI 6220-1 were used for the description of the biomimetic development process. As such, readers will be familiar the description of the biomimetic development process. As such, readers will be familiar with the wording and the explanation of the different steps of the biomimetic develop- with the wording and the explanation of the different steps of the biomimetic development ment process is clear and easy to follow. process is clear and easy to follow. 3. Results 3. Results The main achievement of the interdisciplinary work of the VDI 6220 Part 2 committee The main achievement of the interdisciplinary work of the VDI 6220 Part 2 committee isisthe the linking linkingof ofbiomimetics biomimeticswith withthe the c classical lassical pro product ductdevelopm developm ent entpr process ocess. .Figur Figure e 3 3 shows shows t the he ge general neral st structur ructue re of t of this his inter inteconnection. rconnection. F Further urther det details ailscan can be fo be found und in in VDI VDI 6220 Part 2 (draft 2022), as copyright issues do not allow reprinting content of a standard. 6220 Part 2 (draft 2022), as copyright issues do not allow reprinting content of a standard. The The st standar andar ddintr intoduces roducesbiomimetics biomimeticsas asan an iterative, iterative,9-step 9-steppr pocess rocessand andof of fers fersutilization utilization methods in different phases of the research and development process. methods in different phases of the research and development process. Figure 3. The biomimetic process of VDI 6220 Part 2 linked to the classical product development, Figure 3. The biomimetic process of VDI 6220 Part 2 linked to the classical product development, for for example, as in VDI 2221 Part 1 and Part 2. example, as in VDI 2221 Part 1 and Part 2. Dif Different options were disc ferent options were discussed ussed in the e in the expert xpert panel t paneloto illust illustrate rate the biomimet the biomimetic ic ap- approaches of problem-driven and solution-based methods, ranging from simplifying proaches of problem-driven and solution-based methods, ranging from simplifying se- sequential representations, to using a clock model or a spiral, [24], e.g., in VDI 2221 Part 1 quential representations, to using a clock model or a spiral, [24], e.g., in VDI 2221 Part 1 and VDI 2221 Part 2. While sequential representations are often easier to understand, they and VDI 2221 Part 2. While sequential representations are often easier to understand, they lack a distinct illustration of the iterative and parallel work in practice that is common for lack a distinct illustration of the iterative and parallel work in practice that is common for biomimetic working processes. Complex representations illustrate iterative and parallel biomimetic working processes. Complex representations illustrate iterative and parallel work, but users might not know where to start and what exactly needs to be done. In work, but users might not know where to start and what exactly needs to be done. In favor favor of a low threshold for users with different backgrounds, the expert panel decided to of a low threshold for users with different backgrounds, the expert panel decided to use use a spiral to represent the biomimetic approaches, with additional remarks in the text a spiral to represent the biomimetic approaches, with additional remarks in the text point- pointing to the possibility of parallel and iterative work during the process. The spiral is presented to emphasize iterations similar to the V-Model in VDI 2206, where a subsequent process begins with insights from the previous process [18]. Thus, and in contrast to existing biomimetic process representations, the chosen representation of the process is both detailed and formalized. The biomimetic spiral is split into four sections with continuous transitions. Each sec- tion represents a phase in the biomimetic approaches and contains phase-specific activities. The phases are: arrange (I), analyze (II), abstract (III), and apply (IV) and are similar to other Biomimetics 2022, 7, 36 7 of 11 process descriptions of biomimetics [12]. The spiral encompasses both the solution-based and the problem-driven approach of biomimetics. When beginning a problem-driven approach, the starting point is at the top of the product development process, with the link to biomimetic methods at the end of the planning, concept development, and design phase. The starting point for the solution-based approach is in the center of the biomimetic spiral. The Classical Product Development Process and Its Link with the Biomimetic Approach The development process according to VDI 2221 Part 1, with the division into the four product development phases (planning, concept development, implementation in design, and elaboration) as introduced by Pahl and Beitz, was chosen intentionally for the classical product development process [15,16]. This choice is because this methodology is well established in industry, and the development process is generic so that it can be applied to a wide range of products (including processes), regardless of the domain. According to VDI 2221, the general product development process is to go through a problem-solving process from a problem to a possible solution. An essential part of developing technical products is the search for solutions, which is mainly carried out in the concept development phase. In the context of the classical product development process, several methods (for finding solutions in the concept development phase) are already provided to support engineers, e.g., morphological boxes and classification schemes [30,31]. By linking the classical product development process with the biomimetic approaches, the classical development process receives a further branch, represented by the bridge in Figure 3, and connected with the methods and contents from VDI 6220-2. The linkage of the product development process with the problem-driven biomimetic approach begins after the planning phase and ends at the end of the concept development phase (or at the start of the implementation in design phase). This extension of the classical develop- ment process to a separate but related biomimetic process allows for the expansion of the solution space through the biological-biomimetic domain, subsequently increasing the successful implementation of these found solutions. Both the classical process and the iterative biomimetic approach benefit from the knowledge of the other, e.g., new insights during the product development process might require another iteration in the biomimetic spiral, while insights during this iteration might trigger additional activities in the product development process. One prerequisite to begin the overall process of the biomimetic approaches is the willingness to dive into biology, to have a basis of biological know-how [8] or at least to collaborate. Several efforts have already been made to systematize the search for biological solutions. Ontologies and keyword finders help to make the search more precise, as well as databases and programs on the World Wide Web, some of which are freely available, to find suitable models. A listing can be found in VDI 6220 Part 2, Beismann 2018 [23] or Wanieck et al., 2017 [26]. However, all previous approaches have their limitations, either due to the abundance of possible solutions in nature or due to the lack of knowledge about the biological models. The expert panel did not choose specific tools, databases, or methods to include during the process, but they are mentioned in the technical standard. Therefore, it might be necessary to conduct additional biological investigations during the process. This should be encouraged so that the transfer and interdisciplinary technological implementation process is further supported. However, VDI 6220-2 does not provide biological methods to improve the knowledge on the biological system, but primarily proposes methods to transfer existing biological knowledge to engineering problems with interdisciplinary teams—one core step in the biomimetic approach. VDI 6220 Part 2 is composed so that anyone interested in the topic can explore the approaches and its outcomes. The biomimetic approaches clearly benefit from interdisciplinarity and teamwork. Sometimes, bioinspiration comes from unexpected domains that cannot be planned, but which require an open-minded team to be recognized. Biomimetics 2022, 7, 36 8 of 11 In the case of a solution-based approach, the product development process starts from within the spiral. This process is mainly initiated by biologists that collaborate with engineers when entering the product development process. 4. Discussion The new standard VDI 6220 Part 2 links biomimetics to the classical product develop- ment process commonly used by engineers. For this purpose, the expert panel agreed that biomimetics, in this case, is understood primarily as a supplement to existing development processes to enable its linkage into already established processes, instead of introducing a new, stand-alone process. This aspect might help reduce inhibitions and increase the usage of biomimetics in technical fields of industry with engineers as the primary users of VDI standards. Hence, it is an addition to the product development process, such as VDI 2221. Nevertheless, the intensive work that needs to be done during a biomimetic devel- opment process remains, along with some of its challenges. Some of these challenges are: (1) Product designs are based on human-made decisions, whereas biological solutions result from evolution. Thus, structural and functional solutions in organisms have design constraints, such as phylogenetic, functional, morphogenetic, and environmental limita- tions [32]. (2) During the biomimetic working process, the transferability and scalability of the biological model have to be analyzed [33,34]. A body shape that might be advantageous at high Reynolds numbers might not be as efficient at low Reynolds numbers, given that here, viscous forces instead of inertial forces are dominating [32]. (3) Multifunctionality in biological systems might hinder the extraction of a single desired working principle [24], or biological principles might lose their functionality when applied to different scale dimen- sions [32]. (4) On the technical side, feasibility might be limited through the current state of manufacturing processes, such as the production of hierarchically organized materials or dynamic, sensor-integrated systems. Finally, (5) biomimetic developments might take longer than classical ones, with an average development time of 6–9 years [1]. Even though biomimetics has been described as an additional method for an engi- neering process within the new VDI standard, it can also be described as an individual field of research. It is still possible to follow the biomimetic process on its own as an essential method for solution-finding, especially with the solution-based approach. Even if the difference of how to use biomimetics may seem to be slight, using biomimetics as an integral part of product engineering may remove obstacles for the uptake of biomimetics in general, as it relies on existing well-known design processes. In biomimetics, communication across disciplines has been discussed several times as a challenge which must be overcome [1,25]. The expert panel needed to find a common language within the committee itself and especially for the description of the biomimetic approaches in the technical standard. Therefore, it was also decided to use and integrate definitions and terms from classical engineering design for the biomimetic process. Specific biomimetic definitions were defined by consensus of the expert panel, while common technical terms were adapted from the existing standards. As such, the biomimetic develop- ment process adjusts to the engineering process, and this might further remove inhibitions. In the past, the motivation for describing biomimetics was meant first, to raise awareness so that users are motivated to consider this approach at all, and second, to simplify the various steps which need to be performed to make it easier to understand. This simplification led to a lack of preciseness concerning the usage of specific terms, while in contrast, classical product development reflects a clear terminology and understanding of its procedures. Therefore, using a common language is assumed to make the biomimetic process easier, possibly increase its usage. The definitions of the terms bionics and biomimetics, which are strictly used in the VDI standards, may be discussed anew, in the future, because these two terms are increasingly being used synonymously. The work of the VDI 6220-2 committee was an inter- and transdisciplinary endeavor, including academics and practitioners from industry. The aim was to achieve a consensus in understanding the process itself and to describe a process that is oriented towards Biomimetics 2022, 7, 36 9 of 11 industrial uptake and application. This occurred by taking the needs and expectations of the industry into consideration, since their representatives were part of the panel. Having such a large and diverse expert panel may cause problems. Despite careful selection of the interested parties, stakeholders may join the committee later during the working process of developing a standard. In the early phase of the development process, new ideas or even fundamental decisions are introduced and discussed. The introduction of new ideas in the later phases of standard development often impedes the process and should therefore be avoided by involving all interested parties from the beginning, or considering these new ideas again during the objection phase. For this reason, it often makes sense to start the standardization work towards a technical standard at the national level and to introduce the result into international discussions as a national consensus. The general development process in Germany is highly influenced by the engineering sciences, and the focus of biomimetics is mainly on technical innovation. In other countries, the focus of biomimetics or its usage may differ; for instance, the focus might be primarily towards sustainable development. It would be interesting to see how other countries would set up such a standard and encourage international discussions that might be considered in future revisions of the presented VDI standard. An advantage of a standard compared to a scientific publication is that its content is based on consensus. However, the development of a new standard requires at least three years of work before publication, and often more. Therefore, even if the state of the art is defined by a standard, it often lags behind the latest developments. Therefore, a standard must be checked regularly to ensure that it is up to date and, if necessary, it requires revision. At the VDI, revision happens every five years to ensure that the standard is adapted to the latest developments [35]. 5. Conclusions The main objective of the interdisciplinary expert panel developing the new standard VDI 6220 Part 2 was to provide engineers who are familiar with the classical product development standards with support for the development of biomimetic products. As usual for new standards, there is not yet an experience of how the VDI 6220 Part 2 has been received. The assumption that VDI 6220 Part 2 contributes to improvement must be evaluated in practice. Therefore, subsequent work will need to study how engineers and/or biologists are able to work with this new standard and whether there is an increase in marketable biomimetic products. Research on the acceptance of the new VDI Standard in the classical technical product development process, as well as its application in the development of new biomimetic products, will therefore be carried out in follow-up studies. If an international standard on the methodology of biomimetics is established in the future, VDI 6220 Part 2 will be discussed internationally, and further approaches could be incorporated in an ensuing revised version. Author Contributions: Conceptualization, H.B., E.U. and M.B.; methodology, K.W., L.H., M.B., E.U., M.H., M.D. and H.B.; investigation, K.W., L.H., M.B., E.U., M.H., M.D. and H.B.; writing—original draft preparation, H.B., E.U., M.B., L.H. and K.W.; writing—review and editing, K.W., L.H., M.B., E.U., M.H., M.D. and H.B.; visualization, E.U. and M.B.; supervision, K.W. and H.B.; project administration, K.W. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. Funding: This research received no external funding. Institutional Review Board Statement: Not applicable. Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable. Data Availability Statement: Not applicable. Acknowledgments: The authors would like to thank the entire expert panel for their cooperation during the preparation of VDI 6220 Part 2 and for their valuable contributions. The authors also thank the VDI for technical support. 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Journal

Biomimetics – Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute

Published: Mar 30, 2022

Keywords: innovation; product development; process; solution finding; workflow

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