Animals have many traits that help them survive in the wild. Inspired by animals' incredible abilities, military forces have created many machines over the years to achieve success on the battlefield. From the first remote-controlled vehicles to the advanced machines of tomorrow, take a look at how military robots and drones often imitate the abilities of animals throughout nature.

Beastly Firepower

by Lisa M Bolt Simons

Published 1 January 2020
In the wild, animalsĀ use teeth, claws and other natural weapons to attack their prey. On the battlefield, soldiers need weapons to fight the enemy. The armed forces have often looked to nature for inspiration to develop effective weapons and combat tactics. From the first feathered arrows to tomorrow's high-tech weaponry, take a look at how military technology often imitates the natural weapons of animals to help soldiers succeed in combat.


Beastly Armor

by Charles C. Hofer

Published 1 January 2020

Armour designed like fish scales. Aeroplanes that fly like birds. Camouflage that blends in like a chameleon. Tiny drones that look like hummingbirds! Animals and nature have inspired armies for thousands of years. Yet, the future may hold the most promise. Using biomimicry, military forces are developing many new animal-inspired technologies to help keep us safe. Rich in STEM and STEAM content, the high-interest titles in Beasts and the Battlefield bring old and new nature-based science to life.