Nature is an endless source of inspiration when looking for solutions to complex problems. Soft materials and flexible structures are often used to make motion sequences, gripping processes or the interaction of man and machine simple and safe.

More information on http://www.tedxvienna.at

Elias Knubben has been Head of Research and Innovation at Festo since August 2018 and is also representing Festo in the Bionic Learning Network. In the Bionic Learning Network, a cooperation between Festo and renowned universities, institutes and development companies, principles from nature provide inspiration for technical applications and industrial practice.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx Elias Knubben has been Head of Research and Innovation at Festo since August 2018 and is also representing Festo in the Bionic Learning Network. In the Bionic Learning Network, a cooperation between Festo and renowned universities, institutes and development companies, principles from nature provide inspiration for technical applications and industrial practice. Numerous projects are awarded with design and innovation awards and have been exhibited beside others in the Museum of Modern Art. After completing his apprenticeship in metal construction with the artist Prof. Erich Hauser, he studied industrial design in Stuttgart at the Academy of Art and made his dissertation at the Institute for Lightweight Structures and Conceptual Design (ILEK) at the University of Stuttgart under supervision of Prof. Werner Sobek. From 2012 to August 2018, he headed the Corporate Bionic Projects department at Festo. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx