Nature is a source of inspiration for modern technology development. This idea was central to a public lecture titled Nature’s Blueprint: Biomimetic Design for Friction Reduction by Dr. Mariyam Jameelah Ghazali of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, delivered at Fakultas Teknik Universitas Indonesia on May 7, 2026.
In her presentation, Dr. Mariyam explained how biomimetic design utilizes principles found in nature to address modern engineering challenges. One of the main focuses discussed was friction reduction, a crucial issue across various industrial sectors, including manufacturing, transportation, and medical technology.
Engineers use biomimetic design to imitate structures, functions, and biological mechanisms in living organisms and natural ecosystems. With this approach, researchers develop technologies that are more efficient, energy-saving, and sustainable.
During the lecture, Dr. Mariyam highlighted how various organisms in nature possess extraordinary abilities to reduce friction and improve movement efficiency. The surfaces of leaves, animal skin textures, and microstructures found on the feet of certain animals have become important inspirations for the development of modern materials and technologies.
According to her, today’s industrial challenges are not only related to technological performance but also to sustainability. High friction in machines and mechanical systems can increase energy consumption, accelerate component wear, and raise maintenance costs.
One of the most interesting topics discussed during the lecture was “The Gecko Effect.” Geckos are known for their ability to move across various surfaces, including vertical walls and ceilings, without using liquid adhesives.
Dr. Mariyam explained that this remarkable ability comes from the micro- and nanostructures on gecko footpads, which generate adhesion forces based on Van der Waals interactions at the atomic level. In fact, a single gecko foot can produce extremely strong adhesive forces.
This principle has since been developed into smart adhesion technology with various potential applications in the medical and industrial sectors. One example is medical adhesives capable of attaching to wet and moving organs, such as the heart, without causing chemical irritation, and that can be removed without leaving residue.
Beyond medical applications, gecko-inspired technology also holds significant potential in robotics, electronic devices, and advanced material systems requiring adhesive capabilities without additional chemical substances.
The lecture also highlighted the importance of nature-inspired innovation in supporting more environmentally friendly industries. Biomimetic approaches are considered capable of helping industries reduce energy consumption while improving material efficiency.
In the manufacturing sector, friction reduction can extend the lifespan of machine components and reduce the need for chemical lubricants. This aligns with global trends toward green technology and smart manufacturing.
Through the research developed at MERCU UKM, biomimetics is no longer viewed merely as a futuristic concept but as a practical solution applicable to everyday life.
“Biomimetic approaches demonstrate that the best technological innovations often begin with humanity’s ability to understand nature. The Faculty of Engineering Universitas Indonesia supports the development of interdisciplinary research such as this because it not only presents innovative technological solutions but also encourages the creation of industrial systems that are more efficient, sustainable, and relevant to future challenges. We hope that international academic and research collaborations like this will continue to strengthen the innovation ecosystem at FTUI,” said Prof. Kemas Ridwan Kurniawan, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Universitas Indonesia.
This public lecture served as an important momentum to broaden academic perspectives regarding the integration of materials science, engineering, and biological inspiration. In addition to introducing the latest developments in biomimetic design, the lecture also opened opportunities for cross-institutional and interdisciplinary research collaboration.
The biomimetic approach demonstrates that future technological solutions can be discovered through a deeper understanding of natural systems that have evolved over millions of years.
Through nature-inspired innovation, both academia and industry are expected to work together in creating technologies that are not only advanced but also sustainable and more harmonious with the environment.
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Public Communication Office
Faculty of Engineering Universitas Indonesia
