From nature to space: biologically inspired solar tracking

The 'Biologically inspired autonomous solar tracker made with 4D printed shape-changing architectured composite materials for lunar environment' project drew inspiration from how sunflowers track the Sun's movement throughout the day. The team designed composite materials made with continuous basalt fibres that morph their shape when exposed to changes in temperature and radiation. By embedding this shape-changing function directly into the material's architecture through 4D printing, the structure autonomously controls the inclination of a platform carrying solar panels.