Using nature as an inspiration for technology, known as biomimicry, is increasingly widespread.

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The work is still in its early stages, but it is the latest example of researchers looking at nature to find inspiration for sustainable technology.

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One way takes a cue from social inspiration board Pinterest and mobile technology.

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For example, PTC has become a big supporter of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology).

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S.T. (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition.

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Webb: We start with kindergartners, and we have a Kindergarten K-3 program that is linked to the FIRST, for the inspiration and recognition of science and technology.

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Like the Golden Spike company, which aims to take people back to the moon, Inspiration Mars will be relying on current technology to build their mission rather than working to develop anything new.

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First, as technology grows more complex, advances depend less on individual inspiration and more on collaboration.

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Winter's inspiration for the LFC came about in 2005, when he spent a summer in Tanzania assessing wheelchair technology for a group of wheelchair organizations.

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