Skin aids movement: worms

1 of 1 A small worm / Vinayaraj / License

The skin of a worm allows it to move and change shape by having fibers wound in a cross-helical form around and along its body.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

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Biomimetic Application Ideas

The Centre for Biomimetics is studying worm locomotion and its implication for the development of artificial muscles. Cylinders of various fiber angles can be pieced together, and polymer gel used in place of muscles. By controlling swelling and contracting of the gel, researchers can effectively create an artificial muscle.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"The skin of a worm is a cylinder comprised of fibers wound in a cross-helical form around and along the worm's body. By contracting the muscles in the body wall and increasing its internal pressure, the worm is able to change shape, with the fibers in the skin allowing the worm to go from short and fat to long and thin." (Courtesy of the Biomimicry Guild)

About the inspiring organism

Annelida
Annelida

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: The Centre for Biomimetics is studying worm locomotion and its implication for the development of artificial muscles. Cylinders of various fiber angles can be pieced together, and polymer gel used in place of muscles. By controlling swelling and contracting of the gel, researchers can effectively create an artificial muscle.

Skin aids movement: worms

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