Inspiring Nature Inspired Techno Biomimicry in Transportation

On exhibit until May 10, 2026 at Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum

Nature is an endless source of inspiration for scientists and designers. 

Did you know, the muscles of squids, jellyfish and octopuses propel water with force behind them, resulting in a forward movement? This is the principle used by personal watercrafts to propel themselves.

Velcro, self-cleaning films, honeycomb structures and ultra performing adhesives are all inspired by nature!

This exhibition allows you to explore how certain innovative technologies used in transportation have been largely inspired by nature. Discover nearly thirty natural specimens and technological objects sharing common principles.

Biomimetism invites us to reconnect with our innate need to live in harmony with nature. The word comes from “bios” meaning “life” and “mimesis” meaning “to imitate”. This discipline is based on observations of forms, processes and systems to imitate the genius of nature and offer innovative paths to solutions.

When dreamers, creators and researchers observe nature and draw inspiration from it, all kinds of promising concepts, fascinating ideas and inspirational projects come to light.

The exhibition is a production of the Musée de l’ingéniosité J. Armand Bombardier in collaboration with the Musée de la nature et des sciences de Sherbrooke, the Granby Zoo and the Institut de biomimétisme. This project was made possible thanks to the contribution of the Government of Canada.