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Bionic Concept Vehicle from Mercedes-Benz

The Energy-Efficient Boxfish

To produce a car that is sturdier, more energy efficient, and environmentally friendly, designer looked to an unlikely place for inspiration - under the sea!

The boxfish, found near coral reefs in tropical waters, provides an excellent model for a vehicle with lightweight construction and astounding aerodynamics.

The boxfish can swim fast - covering a distance of up to six times its body lenght each second. But this speed is more than a feat of strength. Contrary to expectations, the cubelike shape of the fish actually enhances it aerodynamics quality. In fact, engineers who constructed a model of the boxfish and tested it in a wind tunnel found this design to slip through the air far more efficient than compact cars do.

The boxfish has a bony outer skin that gives it maximum strengh with minimal weight. Tiny vortices form in the water sorrounding the fish, stabilizing the creature when it encounters turbulence. Thus, the boxfish has outstanding maneuverability and protection from injury.

Engineers believe that the boxfish provides the secret to producing a safer, more fuel-efficient, yet lightweight vehicle. “Quite frankly;” says research and developement chief Dr. Thomas Weber, “we were surprised when this clumsy looking fish, of all things, became our model for designing an aerodynamic and fuel-efficient car.”

What do you think? Did the energy-efficient boxfish come about by chance? Or was it designed?

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