Biological transformation and technologies used for manufacturing of multifunctional metal-based parts

Today, biological transformation is considered as a new emerging frontier in the evolution of digitalization and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0). The principle of biologically inspired intelligent manufacturing is proposed to be a driver and factor for sustainable development of new materials, design concepts, processes and equipment as well as production systems. The potential of utilizing biological principles can be considered for innovative lightweight environmentally friendly and energy efficient industrial products, mainly by using, being inspired by or by imitating biological elements, solutions, phenomena, materials, or living creatures. The combination of biological principles with digitalization, new technologies and new processes provides an excellent tool for sustainable and resource efficient production. This paper presents and discusses examples of research and development directions as well as industrial products. Few examples of multifunctional metal-based parts, molds and dies with optimized and efficient cooling channels, inspired by nature, were designed and produced, including new processes such as additive manufacturing.