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Discovery game on the basics of bionics using antifouling as an example

The still young discipline of ‘bionics’ is one of the most forward-looking research areas at present. Bionics deals with the decoding of “inventions of living nature” and their innovative implementation in technology. On board the ‘MS-Bionics’, the questions and research approaches of this key technology can be actively explored. How can ships be protected from unwanted growth of barnacles, mussels and algae? The search for a solution to so-called ‘biofouling’ is the focus of the interactive research trip.

  • Clients

    Vienna Museum Of Science And Technology, Übersee-Museum Bremen, Universum Bremen

  • Years

    2007-2015

  • Tasks

    Exhibition concept, exhibition graphics, editorial work, exhibit construction, application development, media design, software development, media technology, hardware procurement, on-site installation

Insight into bionics research

The discovery game is intended to give scientific laypeople in particular an insight into the problem areas and research goals of bionics. According to the motto "The journey is the destination", the players slip into the role of researchers and, starting from the virtual research ship 'MS Bionik', go in search of possible solutions. The basics of bionics are introduced in a playful way. The real researchers worked for three years on the artificial shark skin, a non-toxic antifouling process based on nature, which has now been patented after extensive testing. In the game, you can find the solution much more quickly, because the use of digital media in science communication enables direct access to complex topics.

On the virtual research trip, the path of research and development becomes comprehensible and thus easier to understand. If you want to know how much a ship without protective coating is covered in growth after just a few weeks, you can take a dive to the ship's hull and take a closer look at the various "stowaways". A driving simulator illustrates the influence of biofouling on the propulsion performance of a ship and the resulting cost factor for shipping.

Interactive Bionics is part of the permanent exhibition “Adventure Research” at the Vienna Museum Of Science And Technology.