MBID stands for Multifunctional Bio-inspired Design is a structured design ideation system facilitates the creation of advanced, bio-inspired multifunctional conceptual designs, ranging from devices to systems. It offers a systematic method for conceptualizing and engineering innovative solutions by integrating morphological features found in nature. The output of the MBID ideation system is embodiment-level design concepts that are functionally grounded and ready for further validation. These concepts are applicable across diverse industries, where multifunctionality and structural innovation are critical.

Figure 1 illustrates the diverse applications of MBID across various sectors, including medical (e.g., painless sutures), robotics (e.g., non-pneumatic tires), aerospace (e.g., heat-absorbing structures), marine (e.g., bio-inspired skins), and sports: wearables (e.g., helmets for protection)

BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF MBID ARCHITECTURE

As illustrated in Figure 2(a), the MBID ideation system provides a structured process bridging early-stage problem definition and embodiment design with functional verification. Figure 2(b) outlines the key components of the system: identification, abstraction and mapping, function - structure relationships, classification, visualisation, selection, and combination.

To explore these components in greater depth, click on the design method developed as part of the system, known as Expandable Domain Integrated Design (xDID)

• Expandable Domain Integarted Design (xDID)

VISUALISE BIKAS

This web application features a tree dendrogram visualization of the BIKAS database—an evolving repository of over 60 biological (morphological) features that have been abstracted, mapped, and classified based on their structural characteristics. BIKAS (Biologically Inspired Knowledge Acquisition and Simulacrum) serves as the core knowledge base for the MBID framework.

The denrograms represent a hierarchical clustering of morphological features, using an approach analogous to agglomerative clustering. Fetures are grouped based on shared geometric characteristics/designation, allowing users to intuitively navigate and select combinations for multifunctional design applications.

Explore the dendrograms by clicking on geometric categories (DOMAINS) to reveal related biological features and their connections

• Surfaces
• Cellular Structures
• Shapes
• Cross-sections

USER MANUAL

Use the dendrograms and apply MBID to generate multifuncitonal designs

• User manual

CONTACT

Feel free to reach out for collaboration, queries, or feedback

Pavan Tejaswi Velivela, PhD
email at: pavan.velivela@mail.mcgill.ca
portfolio at: portfolio

Professor Yaoyao Fiona Zhao
Director & Supervisor, ADML
Department of Mechanical Engineering
email at: yaoyao.zhao@mcgill.ca

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McGill University
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