Prof. Dr. Thomas Speck

Projects within livMatS

• Biological and bioinspired autonomous hygroscopic materials systems
• Logic gated soft autonomous machine walker with soft switches and sensors for environmental interaction
• livMatS Artificial Venus Flytrap Systemic Demonstrator
• Generation of Materials with Adaptive Mechanical Properties – Stimulus-Induced Lignification and Softening
• A4S - Autonomous Actuators for Adaptive Architecture and Soft Robotics
• The mistletoe-host interface as model for long-term integrity by damage prevention and repair
• Soft autonomous machine systems driven by hydrogen peroxide based gas pressure generation with logic gated fuel/gas distribution system (H2O2LogicGatesSaM)
• The non-local meta-material of the pomelo peel for bio-inspired long-fiber reinforcement
  This project is carried out within the the Cluster’s Agnes Pockels Doctoral Fellowship Program.
• Electrochemical and Photoelectrochemical Actuators (PhotoECact)
• Demonstrator for soft autonomous machines – soft robotic low energy gripper systems with sensing capabilities based on livMatS Materials
• Logic Self-Reporting Mechano-Adaptive Metamaterials
• Training and self-healing by interface snapping mechanisms
• Demonstrators
  
  

Doctoral Researchers (first supervisor)

• Peter Kappel
• Frederike Klimm
• Michelle Modert
• Joscha Teichmann
• Harishankar Thekkepat
• Kim Ulrich
• Maartje Wermelink
• Saima Zameer

Completed Doctoral Researchers (first supervisor)

• Dr. Stefan Conrad
• Dr. Maximilian Jentzsch
• Dr. Anna Westermeier

Postdoctoral Researchers (first supervisor)

• Dr. Riddhi Das
• Dr. Falk Tauber
  
  

Publications in livMatS

• PressureCap: An endoscopic sensor capsule for real-time gastrointestinal pressure monitoring*
  Mitrakos, V., Cummins, G., Tauber, F. J., Cox, B. F., Pavuluri, S. K., Wood, G. S., Potter, M. A., Clutton, E., Cochran, S., Speck, T., Hands, P. J. W. & Desmulliez, M. P. (2024). PressureCap: An endoscopic sensor capsule for real-time gastrointestinal pressure monitoring. Device. doi: 10.1016/j.device.2024.100325
• Analysis of the peel structure of different Citrus spp. via light microscopy, SEM and µCT with manual and automatic segmentation*
  Jentzsch, M., Kardamakis, T., Albiez, V., & Speck, T. (2024). Analysis of the peel structure of different Citrus spp. via light microscopy, SEM and µCT with manual and automatic segmentation. Soft Matter, 20: 2804 – 2811. doi: 10.1039/d3sm01511d
• Is a Forest Fire a Natural Disaster? Investigating the Fire Tolerance of Various Tree Species—An Educational Module*
  Speck, O., Speck, T. (2024): Is a Forest Fire a Natural Disaster? Investigating the Fire Tolerance of Various Tree Species—An Educational Module. Biomimetics 2024, 9(2): 114. doi: 10.3390/biomimetics9020114
• 3D printed digital pneumatic logic for the control of soft robotic actuators*
  Conrad, S., Teichmann, J., Knorr, N., Bellin, D., Speck, T. & Tauber, F. J. (2024): 3D printed digital pneumatic logic for the control of soft robotic actuators. Science Robotics, 9: eadh4060. doi: 10.1126/scirobotics.adh4060
• A Soft Continuum Robotic Arm with a Climbing Plant‐Inspired Adaptive Behavior for Minimal Sensing, Actuation, and Control Effort*
  Naselli, G. A., Scharff, R. B., Thielen, M., Visentin, F., Speck, T., & Mazzolai, B. (2023). A Soft Continuum Robotic Arm with a Climbing Plant‐Inspired Adaptive Behavior for Minimal Sensing, Actuation, and Control Effort. Advanced Intelligent Systems, 2300537. doi:10.1002/aisy.202300537
• Force generation in the coiling tendrils of Passiflora caerulea
  Klimm, F., Speck, T. & Thielen, M. (2023): Force generation in the coiling tendrils of Passiflora caerulea. Advanced Science: 2301496. doi: 10.1002/advs.202301496
• Der livMatS Pavillon im Botanischen Garten der Universität Freiburg: Vom Kakteenholz inspiriert und mit nachwachsenden Flachsfasern gebaut
  Speck, T. (2023). Der livMatS Pavillon im Botanischen Garten der Universität Freiburg: Vom Kakteenholz inspiriert und mit nachwachsenden Flachsfasern gebaut. Gärtnerisch Botanischer Brief, 223 (2023/2): 30-39.
• A Pneumatic Bending Actuator System Inspired by the Avian Tendon Locking Mechanism*
  Kappel, P., Kürner, L., Speck, T., & Tauber, F. (2023). A Pneumatic Bending Actuator System Inspired by the Avian Tendon Locking Mechanism. In: Meder, F., Hunt A., Margheri, L., Mura, A. & Mazzolai, B. (eds.): Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems. Living Machines 2023. Lecture Notes in Computer Science (pp. 84-100). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-39504-8_6
• An Insect-Inspired Soft Robot Controlled by Soft Valves*
  Teichmann, J., Auth, P., Conrad, S., Speck, T., & Tauber, F. (2023). An Insect-Inspired Soft Robot Controlled by Soft Valves. In: Meder, F., Hunt A., Margheri, L., Mura, A. & Mazzolai, B. (eds.): Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems. Living Machines 2023. Lecture Notes in Computer Science (pp. 428-441). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-38857-6_31
• A 3D-printed thermoresponsive artificial Venus flytrap lobe based on a multilayer of shape memory materials*
  Tauber, F., Scheckenbach, F., Walter, M., Pretsch, T., & Speck, T. (2023): A 3D-printed thermoresponsive artificial Venus flytrap lobe based on a multilayer of shape memory materials. In: Meder, F., Hunt A., Margheri, L., Mura, A. & Mazzolai, B. (eds.): Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems. Living Machines 2023. Lecture Notes in Computer Science (pp. 91-108). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-38857-6_7
• Advances in Biomimetics: Combination of Various Effects at Different Scales
  Gorb, S. N., Carbone, G., Speck, T., & Taubert, A. (2023). Advances in Biomimetics: Combination of Various Effects at Different Scales. Biomimetics, 8(3), 329. doi: 10.3390/biomimetics8030329
• Novel Motion Sequences in Plant-Inspired Robotics: Combining Inspirations from Snap-Trapping in Two Plant Species into an Artificial Venus Flytrap Demonstrator*
  Tauber, F., Auth, P., Teichmann, J., Scherag, F. D., & Speck, T. (2022). Novel motion sequences in plant-inspired robotics: Combining inspirations from snap-trapping in two plant species into an artificial venus flytrap demonstrator. In: Gorb, S.N.; Carbone, G.; Speck, T.; Taubert, A. (eds.): Advances in Biomimetics: Combination of Various Effects at Different Scales. Biomimetics 2023, 8, 329. doi: 10.3390/biomimetics7030099
• Biomimetics in Botanical Gardens—Educational Trails and Guided Tours*
  Speck, O., Speck, T. (2023). Biomimetics in Botanical Gardens—Educational Trails and Guided Tours. Biomimetics, 8(3), 303. doi: 10.3390/biomimetics8030303
• Cross-Sectional 4D-Printing: Upscaling Self-Shaping Structures with Differentiated Material Properties Inspired by the Large-Flowered Butterwort (Pinguicula grandiflora)*
  Sahin, E. S., Cheng, T., Wood, D., Tahouni, Y., Poppinga, S., Thielen, M., Speck T. & Menges, A. (2023). Cross-Sectional 4D-Printing: Upscaling Self-Shaping Structures with Differentiated Material Properties Inspired by the Large-Flowered Butterwort (Pinguicula grandiflora). Biomimetics, 8(2), 233. doi: /10.3390/biomimetics8020233
• Artificial tendrils mimicking plant movements by mismatching modulus and strain in core and shell*
  Farhan, M., Klimm, F., Thielen, M., Rešetič, A., Bastola, A., Behl, M., Speck, T. & Lendlein, A. (2023). Artificial tendrils mimicking plant movements by mismatching modulus and strain in core and shell. Advanced Materials, 2211902. doi: 10.1002/adma.202211902
• Cluster of Excellence Living, Adaptive and Energy-Autonomous Materials Systems (livMatS)*
  Speck, T., Schulz, M.E., Fischer, A., Rühe, J. (2023). Cluster of Excellence Living, Adaptive and Energy-Autonomous Materials Systems (livMatS). In: Dröder, K., Vietor, T. (eds) Future Automotive Production Conference 2022. Zukunftstechnologien für den multifunktionalen Leichtbau. Springer Vieweg, Wiesbaden. doi: 10.1007/978-3-658-39928-3_18
• Editorial: Damage control of plants—from the molecule to the entire plant*
  Speck, O., Taylor, D., and Speck, T. (2023). Editorial: Damage control of plants—from the molecule to the entire plant. Frontiers in Plant Science, 14:1181342. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1181342
• Conjoining Trees for the Provision of Living Architecture in Future Cities: A Long-Term Inosculation Study*
  Mylo, M. D., Ludwig, F., Rahman, M. A., Shu, Q., Fleckenstein, C., Speck, T., & Speck, O. (2023). Conjoining Trees for the Provision of Living Architecture in Future Cities: A Long-Term Inosculation Study. Plants, 12(6), 1385. doi: 10.3390/plants12061385
• Plants as inspiration for material-based sensing and actuation in soft robots and machines*
  Speck, T., Cheng, T., Klimm, F., Menges, A., Poppinga, S., Speck, O., Tahouni, Y., Tauber, F., & Thielen, M. (2023). Plants as inspiration for material-based sensing and actuation in soft robots and machines. MRS Bulletin, 1-16. doi: 10.1557/s43577-022-00470-8
• Entwicklung bioinspirierter und selbstformender Orthesen per 4D-Druck*
  Cheng, T., Thielen, M., Poppinga, S., Tahouni, Y., Wood, D., Steinberg, T., Menges, A., & Speck, T. (2023). 4D-Drucken für bioinspirierte und selbstformende Orthesen. Orthopädie Technik, 01/23: 40 – 49.
• Plants as inspiration for material-based sensing and actuation in soft robots and machines*
  Speck, T., Cheng, T., Klimm, F., Menges, A., Poppinga, S., Speck, O., Tahouni, Y., Tauber, F. & Thielen, M. (2023) Plants as inspiration for material-based sensing and actuation in soft robots and machines. MRS Bulletin. doi: 10.1557/s43577-022-00470-8
• Damage protection in fruits: Comparative analysis of the functional morphology of the fruit peels of five Citrus species via quasi-static compression tests*
  Jentzsch, M., Badstöber, M. C., Umlas, F., & Speck, T. (2022). Damage protection in fruits: Comparative analysis of the functional morphology of the fruit peels of five Citrus species via quasi-static compression tests. Frontiers in Materials, 9, 979151. doi: 10.3389/fmats.2022.979151
• Unit Cell Based Artificial Venus Flytrap*
  Tauber, F., Riechert, L., Teichmann, J., Poovathody, N., Jonas, U., Schiller, S., & Speck, T. (2022). Unit Cell Based Artificial Venus Flytrap. In: Hunt, A., et al. (eds.), Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems. Living Machines 2022. Lecture Notes in Computer Science (pp. 1–12), vol 13548. Springer, Cham. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-20470-8_1
• Multi-material FDM 3D Printed Arm with Integrated Pneumatic Actuator*
  Conrad, S., Speck, T., Tauber, F. (2022). Multi-material FDM 3D Printed Arm with Integrated Pneumatic Actuator. In: Hunt, A., et al. (eds.), Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems. Living Machines 2022. Lecture Notes in Computer Science (pp. 27–31), vol 13548. Springer, Cham. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-20470-8_3
• Application-Oriented Comparison of Two 3D Printing Processes for the Manufacture of Pneumatic Bending Actuators for Bioinspired Macroscopic Soft Gripper Systems*
  Kappel, P., Kramp, C., Speck, T., & Tauber, F. (2022). Application-Oriented Comparison of Two 3D Printing Processes for the Manufacture of Pneumatic Bending Actuators for Bioinspired Macroscopic Soft Gripper Systems. In: Hunt, A., et al. (eds.), Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems. Living Machines 2022. Lecture Notes in Computer Science (pp. 54–67), vol 13548. Springer, Cham. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-20470-8_6
• Learning from Self-Sealing Deformations of Plant Leaves: The Biomimetic Multilayer Actuator*
  Becker, J., Speck, O., Speck, T., Müller, C. (2022). Learning from self-sealing deformations of plant leaves: the biomimetic multilayer actuator. Advanced Intelligent System, 2200215. doi: 10.1002/aisy.202200215
• The cracking of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) cones*
  Horstmann, M., Buchheit, H., Speck, T., & Poppinga, S. (2022). The cracking of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) cones. Frontiers in Plant Science, 3823. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2022.982756
• Chemonastic Stalked Glands in the Carnivorous Rainbow Plant Byblis gigantea LINDL. (Byblidaceae, Lamiales)*
  Poppinga, S., Knorr, N., Ruppert, S., & Speck, T. (2022). Chemonastic Stalked Glands in the Carnivorous Rainbow Plant Byblis gigantea LINDL.(Byblidaceae, Lamiales). International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(19), 11514. doi: 10.3390/ijms231911514
• Elastic property and fracture mechanics of lateral branch-branch junctions in cacti: A case study of Opuntia ficus-indica and Cylindropuntia bigelovii*
  Mylo, M. D., Hoppe, A., Pastewka, L., Speck, T., & Speck, O. Elastic properties and fracture mechanics of lateral branch-branch junctions in cacti: a case study of Opuntia ficus-indica and Cylindropuntia bigelovii. Frontiers in Plant Science, 2947. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2022.950860
• Roadmap on soft robotics: multifunctionality, adaptability and growth without borders
  Mazzolai, B., Carpi, F., Suzumori, K., Cianchetti, M., Speck, T., Smoukov, S.K., Burgert, I., Keplinger, T., De Freitas Siqueira, G., Vanneste, F., Goury, O., Duriez, C., Nanayakkara, T., Vanderborght, B., Brancart, J., Terryn, S., Rich, S., Liu, R., Fukuda, K., Someya, T., Calisti, M., Laschi, C., Sun, W., Wang, G., Wen, L., Baines, R., Patiballa, S., Kramer-Bottiglio, R., Rus, D., Fischer, P., Simmel, F.C. & Lendlein, A. (2022). Roadmap on Soft Robotics: Multifunctionality, adaptability and growth without borders.Multifunctional Materials, 5(3): 032001. doi: 10.1088/2399-7532/ac4c95
• Shapeshifting in the Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula): Morphological and biomechanical adaptations and the potential costs of a failed hunting cycle*
  Durak, G. M., Speck, T., & Poppinga, S. (2022). Shapeshifting in the Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula): morphological and biomechanical adaptations and the potential costs of a failed hunting cycle. Frontiers in Plant Science, 13:970320. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2022.970320
• Biological Concepts as a Source of Inspiration for Efficiency, Consistency, and Sufficiency*
  Speck, O., Möller, M., Grießhammer, R., Speck, T. (2022). Biological concepts as a source of inspiration for efficiency, consistency, and sufficiency. Sustainability, 14: 8892. doi: 10.3390/su14148892
• Effects of geometry and boundary constraint on the stiffness and negative Poisson's ratio behaviour of auxetic metamaterials under quasi-static and impact loading*
  Mercer, C., Speck, T., Lee, J., Balint, D. S., & Thielen, M. (2022). Effects of Geometry and Boundary Constraint on the Stiffness and Negative Poisson's Ratio Behaviour of Auxetic Metamaterials under Quasi-static and Impact Loading. International Journal of Impact Engineering, 104315. doi: 10.1016/j.ijimpeng.2022.104315
• Charting the twist-to-bend ratio of plant axes*
  Wolff-Vorbeck, S., Speck, O., Langer, M., Speck, T., & Dondl, P. W. (2022). Charting the twist-to-bend ratio of plant axes. Journal of the Royal Society Interface, 19(191), 20220131. doi: 10.1098/rsif.2022.0131
• Smooth or with a Snap! Biomechanics of Trap Reopening in the Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)*
  Durak, G. M., Thierer, R., Sachse, R., Bischoff, M., Speck, T., Poppinga, S. (2022). Smooth or with a Snap! Biomechanics of Trap Reopening in the Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula). Advanced Science, 2201362. doi: 10.1002/advs.202201362
• The Structural and Mechanical Basis for Passive-Hydraulic Pine Cone Actuation*
  Eger, C. J., Horstmann, M., Poppinga, S., Sachse, R., Thierer, R., Nestle, N., Bruchmann, B., Speck, T., Bischoff, M., & Rühe, J. (2022). The Structural and Mechanical Basis for Passive‐Hydraulic Pine Cone Actuation. Advanced Science, 2200458. doi: 10.1002/advs.202200458
• Functional Anatomy, Impact Behavior and Energy Dissipation of the Peel of Citrus × limon: A Comparison of Citrus × limon and Citrus maxima*
  Jentzsch, M., Becker, S., Thielen, M., & Speck, T. (2022). Functional Anatomy, Impact Behavior and Energy Dissipation of the Peel of Citrus × limon: A Comparison of Citrus × limon and Citrus maxima. Plants, 11 (7): 991. doi: 10.3390/plants11070991 [Special Issue "Functional Plant Anatomy – Structure, Function and Environment"]
• The effects of substrate porosity, mechanical substrate properties and loading conditions on the attachment performance of the Mediterranean medicinal leech (Hirudo verbana)*
  Kampowski, T., Schuler, B., Speck, T., & Poppinga, S. (2022). The effects of substrate porosity, mechanical substrate properties and loading conditions on the attachment performance of the Mediterranean medicinal leech (Hirudo verbana). Journal of the Royal Society Interface, 19 (188), 20220068. doi: 10.1098/rsif.2022.0068
• Biomechanics of the parasite–host interaction of the European mistletoe*
  Mylo, M. D., Hoffmann, M., Balle, F., Beisel, S., Speck, T., & Speck, O. (2022). Biomechanics of the parasite–host interaction of the European mistletoe. Journal of Experimental Botany, 73(4): 1204 – 1221. doi: 10.1093/jxb/erab518 (Special issue “Mechanical Ecology - Taking Biomechanics to the Field”)
• Acclimation to wind loads and/or contact stimuli? A biomechanical study of peltate leaves of Pilea peperomioides*
  Langer, M., Hegge, E., Speck, T., & Speck, O. (2022). Acclimation to wind loads and/or contact stimuli? A biomechanical study of peltate leaves of Pilea peperomioides. Journal of Experimental Botany, 73(4): 1236 – 1252. doi: 10.1093/jxb/erab541 (Special issue “Mechanical Ecology - Taking Biomechanics to the Field”)
• Polarity in cuticular ridge development and insect attachment on leaf surfaces of Schismatoglottis calyptrata (Araceae)*
  Surapaneni, V. A., Aust, T., Speck, T., & Thielen, M. (2021). Polarity in cuticular ridge development and insect attachment on leaf surfaces of Schismatoglottis calyptrata (Araceae). Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology, 12: 1326–1338. doi: 10.3762/bjnano.12.98
• Twist-to-Bend Ratios and Safety Factors of Petioles Having Various Geometries, Sizes and Shapes*
  Langer, M., Kelbel, M. C., Speck, T., Müller, C., & Speck, O. (2021) Twist-to-bend ratios and safety factors of petioles having various geometries, sizes and shapes. Frontiers in Plant Science, 2586. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2021.765605
• Influence of structural reinforcements on the twist-to-bend ratio of plant axes: a case study on Carex pendula*
  Wolff-Vorbeck, S., Speck, O., Speck, T., & Dondl, P. W. (2021). Influence of structural reinforcements on the twist-to-bend ratio of plant axes: a case study on Carex pendula. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 1-14. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-00569-z
• Morphology and Anatomy of Branch–Branch Junctions in Opuntia ficus-indica and Cylindropuntia bigelovii: A Comparative Study Supported by Mechanical Tissue Quantification*
  Mylo, M. D., Hesse, L., Masselter, T., Leupold, J., Drozella, K., Speck, T., & Speck, O. (2021). Morphology and Anatomy of Branch–Branch Junctions in Opuntia ficus-indica and Cylindropuntia bigelovii: A Comparative Study Supported by Mechanical Tissue Quantification. Plants, 10(11), 2313. doi: 10.3390/plants10112313
• Biomechanics of tendrils and adhesive pads of the climbing passionflower Passiflora discophora*
  Klimm, F., Schmier, S., Bohn, H. F., Kleiser, S., Thielen, M., & Speck, T. (2021). Biomechanics of tendrils and adhesive pads of the climbing passionflower Passiflora discophora. Journal of Experimental Botany, 73(2): 1190 – 1203. doi: 10.1093/jxb/erab456
• Bridging the Gap: From Biomechanics and Functional Morphology of Plants to Biomimetic Developments*
  Speck, O., & Speck, T. (2021). Bridging the Gap: From Biomechanics and Functional Morphology of Plants to Biomimetic Developments. Biomimetics. doi: 10.3390/biomimetics6040060
• Structural gradients and anisotropic hydraulic conductivity in the enigmatic eel traps of carnivorous corkscrew plants (Genlisea spp.)*
  Carmesin, C. F., Fleischmann, A. S., Klepsch, M. M., Westermeier, A. S., Speck, T., Jansen, S., & Poppinga, S. (2021). Structural gradients and anisotropic hydraulic conductivity in the enigmatic eel traps of carnivorous corkscrew plants (Genlisea spp.). American Journal of Botany. doi: 10.1002/ajb2.1779
• Bio-inspired life-like motile materials systems: Changing the boundaries between living and technical systems in the Anthropocene*
  Speck, T., Poppinga, S., Speck, O., & Tauber, F. (2021). Bio-inspired life-like motile materials systems: Changing the boundaries between living and technical systems in the Anthropocene. The Anthropocene Review, 20530196211039275. doi: 10.1177/20530196211039275
• Advances on the Visualization of the Internal Structures of the European Mistletoe: 3D Reconstruction Using Microtomography*
  Mylo, M. D., Hofmann, M., Delp, A., Scholz, R., Walther, F., Speck, T., & Speck, O. (2021). Advances on the visualization of the internal structures of the European mistletoe: 3D reconstruction using microtomography. Frontiers in Plant Science, 2085. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2021.715711
• Biohybrid generators based on living plants and artificial leaves: influence of leaf motion and real wind outdoor energy harvesting
  Meder, F., Armiento, S., Naselli, G. A., Thielen, M., Speck, T., & Mazzolai, B. (2021). Biohybrid generators based on living plants and artificial leaves: influence of leaf motion and real wind outdoor energy harvesting. Bioinspiration & Biomimetics, 16(5), 055009. doi: 10.1088/1748-3190/ac1711
• Generation GrowBots: Materials, Mechanisms, and Biomimetic Design for Growing Robots
  Mazzolai, B., Walker, I., Speck, T., eds. (2021). Generation GrowBots: Materials, Mechanisms, and Biomimetic Design for Growing Robots (137 pp.). Frontiers Media SA, Lausanne. doi: 10.3389/978-2-88971-185-7
• Tool changing 3D printer for rapid prototyping of advanced soft robotic elements*
  Conrad, S., Speck, T., & Tauber, F. (2021). Tool changing 3D printer for rapid prototyping of advanced soft robotic elements. Bioinspiration & Biomimetics. doi: 10.1088/1748-3190/ac095a
• Biomimetics and Education in Europe: Challenge, Opportunity and Variety*
  Speck, O., Speck, T. (2021): Biomimetics and Education in Europe: Challenge, Opportunity and Variety. Biomimetics, 6(3): 49; Special Issue "Biomimetic Process and Pedagogy". doi: 10.3390/biomimetics6030049
  Editor's Choice
• Self-Actuated Paper and Wood Models: Low-Cost Handcrafted Biomimetic Compliant Systems for Research and Teaching*
  Poppinga, S., Schenck, P., Speck, O., Speck, T., Bruchmann, B., Masselter, T. (2021) Self-Actuated Paper and Wood Models: Low-Cost Handcrafted Biomimetic Compliant Systems for Research and Teaching. Biomimetics, 6(3):42. doi: 10.3390/biomimetics6030042
  Editor's Choice
• Editorial: Generation Growbots: Materials, Mechanisms, and Biomimetic Design for Growing Robots
  Mazzolai, B., Walker, I., & Speck, T. (2021). Editorial: Generation GrowBots: Materials, Mechanisms, and Biomimetic Design for Growing Robots. Frontiers in Robotics and AI, 8: 711942. doi: 10.3389/frobt.2021.711942
• Tool changing 3D printer for rapid prototyping of advanced soft robotic elements*
  Conrad, S., Speck, T., & Tauber, F. (2021). Tool changing 3D printer for rapid prototyping of advanced soft robotic elements. Bioinspiration & Biomimetics. doi: 10.1088/1748-3190/ac095a
• 3D Reticulated Actuator Inspired by Plant Up-Righting Movement Through a Cortical Fiber Network*
  Masselter, T., Speck, O., & Speck, T.(2021). 3D Reticulated Actuator Inspired by Plant Up-Righting Movement Through a Cortical Fiber Network. Biomimetics 6(2). doi: 10.3390/biomimetics6020033
• Functional morphology of plants – a key to biomimetic applications*
  Speck, O., & Speck, T. (2021). Functional morphology of plants–a key to biomimetic applications. New Phytologist. doi: 10.1111/nph.17396
• Bio‐Inspired Motion Mechanisms: Computational Design and Material Programming of Self‐Adjusting 4D‐Printed Wearable Systems*
  Cheng, T., Tahouni, Y., Wood, D., Thielen, M., Poppinga, S., Buchholz, L., Steinberg, T., Menges, A. & Speck, T. (2021): Bio-inspired Motion Mechanisms: Computational Design and 4D-printing of Self-adjusting Wearable Systems. Advanced Science: 2100411. doi: 10.1002/advs.202100411
• Petiole-Lamina Transition Zone: A Functionally Crucial but Often Overlooked Leaf Trait*
  M. Langer, T. Speck, O. Speck (2021): Petiole-lamina transition zone: A functionally crucial but often overlooked leaf trait. Plants 10(4): 774. doi: 10.3390/plants10040774
• Biomimetic soft robotic peristaltic pumping system for coolant liquid transport*
  Tauber, F., Masselter, T., & Speck, T. Biomimetic Soft Robotic Peristaltic Pumping System for Coolant Liquid Transport. In Technologies for economic and functional lightweight design 2020 (p. 173). Springer-Vieweg. doi: 10.1007/978-3-662-62924-6_14
• Peak values of twist-to-bend ratio in triangular flower stalks of Carex pendula: a study on biomechanics and functional morphology*
  Speck, O., Steinhart, F., & Speck, T. (2020). Peak values of twist-to-bend ratio in triangular flower stalks of Carex pendula: a study on biomechanics and functional morphology. American Journal of Botany 107(11): 1–9. doi: 10.1002/ajb2.1558
• "Generation GrowBots: Materials, Mechanisms, and Biomimetic Design for Growing Robots"
  Mazzolai, B., Walker, I. & Speck, T. (eds.) (2020). Special Issue / Research Topic on "Generation GrowBots: Materials, Mechanisms, and Biomimetic Design for Growing Robots". Frontiers in Robotics, 7. doi: 10.3389/frobt.2020.00075
• Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems
  Vouloutsi, V. , Mura, A., Tauber, F., Speck, T., Prescott, T.J., & Verschure, P.F.M.J. (eds.), Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems. Living Machines 2020. Lecture Notes in Computer Science LNAI/LNCS 12413 (428 pp.). Springer International Publishing, Cham. (ISBN 978-3-030-64312-6)
• Multi-material 3D-printer for rapid prototyping of bioinspired soft robotic elements*
  Conrad, S., Speck, T., & Tauber, F. (2020). Multi-material 3D-printer for rapid prototyping of bioinspired soft robotic elements. In Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems. Living Machines 2020, 46 – 54. Lecture Notes in Computer Science LNAI 12413. Springer International Publishing, Cham. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-64313-3_6
• Biohybrid wind energy generators based on living plants*
  Meder, F., Thielen, M., Naselli, G.A., Taccola, S., Speck, T., & Mazzolai, B. (2020). Biohybrid wind energy generators based on living plants. In Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems. Living Machines 2020, 234 – 244. Lecture Notes in Computer Science LNAI 12413. Springer International Publishing, Cham. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-64313-3_23
• Searching and Intertwining: Climbing Plants and GrowBots*
  Gallentine, J., Wooten, M. B., Thielen, M., Walker, I. D., Speck, T., & Niklas, K. (2020). Searching and Intertwining: Climbing Plants and GrowBots. Front. Robot. AI 7: 118. doi: 10.3389/frobt.
• Fracture mechanics of the endocarp of Cocos nucifera*
  Schmier, S., Jentzsch, M., Speck, T., & Thielen, M. (2020). Fracture mechanics of the endocarp of Cocos nucifera. Materials & Design, 195, 108944. doi: 10.1016/j.matdes.2020.108944
• Comparative analyses of the self-sealing mechanisms in leaves of Delosperma cooperi and Delosperma ecklonis (Aizoaceae)*
  Hesse, L., Kampowski, T., Leupold, J., Caliaro, S., Speck, T., & Speck, O. (2020). Comparative Analyses of the Self-Sealing Mechanisms in Leaves of Delosperma cooperi and Delosperma ecklonis (Aizoaceae). International journal of molecular sciences, 21(16), 5768. doi:10.3390/ijms21165768 (Special Issue: Plant Biomechanics)
• Bamboo-inspired tubular scaffolds with functional gradients*
  Yin, K., Mylo, M. D., Speck, T., & Wegst, U. G. (2020). Bamboo-inspired tubular scaffolds with functional gradients. Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 103826. doi: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2020.103826
• Exploring the attachment of the Mediterranean medicinal leech Hirudo verbana to porous substrates*
  Kampowski, T., Thiemann, L. L., Kürner, L., Speck, T., & Poppinga, S. (2020). Exploring the attachment of the Mediterranean medicinal leech (Hirudo verbana) to porous substrates. Journal of the Royal Society Interface, 17(168), 20200300. doi: 10.1098/rsif.2020.0300
• Snapping mechanics of the Venus flytrap Dionaea muscipula*
  Sachse, R., Westermeier, A. S., Mylo, M. D., Nadasdi, J., Bischoff, M., Speck, T., & Poppinga, S. (2020). Snapping mechanics of the Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 117(27), 16035-16042. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2002707117
• Plant movements as concept generators for the development of biomimetic compliant mechanisms*
  Poppinga, S., Correa, D., Bruchmann, B., Menges, A., & Speck, T. (2020). Plant movements as concept generators for the development of biomimetic compliant mechanisms. Integrative and Comparative Biology. doi: 10.1093/icb/icaa028
• 2D and 3D graphical datasets for bamboo-inspired tubular scaffolds with functional gradients: micrographs and tomograms*
  Yin, K., Mylo, M. D., Speck, T., & Wegst, U. G. (2020). 2D and 3D graphical datasets for bamboo-inspired tubular scaffolds with functional gradients: micrographs and tomograms. Data in Brief, 31, 105870. doi: 10.1016/j.dib.2020.105870
• Artificial Venus Flytraps: A Research Review and Outlook on Their Importance for Novel Bioinspired Materials Systems*
  Esser, F., Auth, P., & Speck, T. (2020). Artificial Venus flytraps: a research review and outlook on their importance for novel bioinspired materials systems. Frontiers in Robotics and AI, 7, 75. doi: 10.3389/frobt.2020.00075
• Self-repair in cacti branches: comparative analyses of their morphology, anatomy and biomechanics*
  Mylo, M. D., Krüger, F., Speck, T., & Speck, O.. (2020). Self-Repair in Cacti Branches: Comparative Analyses of Their Morphology, Anatomy, and Biomechanics. International journal of molecular sciences, 21(13), 4630. doi:10.3390/ijms21134630 (Special Issue: Plant Biomechanics)
• Bio-inspired Lightweight Construction
  Speck, T. (2020). In: Fratzl, P. , Jacobs, K., Möller, M., Scheibel, T., & Sternberg, K. (eds.). Materials Research: Inspired by Nature - Innovation Potential of Biologically Inspired Materials, 37 – 38. acatech DISKUSSION, utzverlag, München.
• Living Plant‐Hybrid Generators for Multidirectional Wind Energy Conversion*
  Meder, F., Thielen, M., Mondini, A., Speck, T., & Mazzolai, B. (2020). Living Plant‐Hybrid Generators for Multidirectional Wind Energy Conversion. Energy Technology, 2000236., doi: 10.1002/ente.202000236
• The Protective Role of Bark and Bark Fibers of the Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) during High-Energy Impacts
  Bold, G., Langer, M., Börnert, L., & Speck, T. (2020). The Protective Role of Bark and Bark Fibers of the Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) during High-Energy Impacts. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(9), 3355. doi:10.3390/ijms21093355
• 4D pine scale: biomimetic 4D printed autonomous scale and flap structures capable of multi-phase movement*
  Correa, D., Poppinga, S., Mylo, M. D., Westermeier, A. S., Bruchmann, B., Menges, A., & Speck, T. (2020). 4D pine scale: biomimetic 4D printed autonomous scale and flap structures capable of multi-phase movement. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A, 378(2167), 20190445. doi: 10.1098/rsta.2019.0445
• Aus der Vergangenheit für die Zukunft lernen: Fossile Pflanzen als Ideengeber für biomimetische Materialien und Strukturen*
  Speck, T. & Masselter, T. (2020). In Phylogenie, Funktionsmorphologie und Bionik. Schriften zum 60. Phylogenetischen Symposium in Tübingen, 79 – 96. Scidinge Hall Verlag, Tübingen.
• Bioinspirierter Leichtbau*
  Speck, T. (2019). In Materialforschung: Impulsgeber Natur – Innovationspotenzial biologisch inspirierter Materialien und Werkstoffe, 37 – 38. acatech DISKUSSION, utzverlag, München.
• Wound reactions in stems of Leonurus cardiaca: A morphological, anatomical and biomechanical study
  Speck, O., Schmauder, K., Speck, T., & Paul-Victor, C. (2020). Wound reactions in stems of Leonurus cardiaca: a morphological, anatomical, and biomechanical study. Botany, 98(1), 81-89., doi: 10.1139/cjb-2019-0002
• Plant Biomechanics in the 21st Century – Special Issue Editorial
  Geitmann, A., Niklas, K., & Speck, T. (2019). Plant biomechanics in the 21st century.Journal of Experimental Botany, 70(14): 3435-3438, doi: 10.1093/jxb/erz280
• Structural and functional imaging of large and opaque plant specimen*
  Hesse, L., Bunk, K., Leupold, J., Speck, T., & Masselter, T. (2019). Structural and functional imaging of large and opaque plant specimens. Journal of experimental botany, 70(14), 3659-3678. doi: 10.1093/jxb/erz186
• Characterization of biomimetic peristaltic pumping system based on flexible silicone soft robotic actuators as an alternative for technical pumps
  Esser, F., Krüger, F., Masselter, T., & Speck, T. (2019, July). Characterization of Biomimetic Peristaltic Pumping System Based on Flexible Silicone Soft Robotic Actuators as an Alternative for Technical Pumps. In Conference on Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems (pp. 101-113). Springer, Cham. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-24741-6_9
• Adaptive biomimetic actuator systems reacting to various stimuli by and combining two biological snap-trap mechanics*
  Esser, F., Scherag, F. D., Poppinga, S., Westermeier, A. S., Mylo, M. D., Kampowski, T., Bold, G., Rühe, J., & Speck, T. (2019, July). Adaptive Biomimetic Actuator Systems Reacting to Various Stimuli by and Combining Two Biological Snap-Trap Mechanics. In Conference on Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems (pp. 114-121). Springer, Cham. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-24741-6_10
• Silent pumpers: a comparative topical overview of the peristaltic pumping principle in living nature, engineering and biomimetics
  Esser, F., Masselter, T., & Speck, T. (2019). Silent Pumpers: A Comparative Topical Overview of the Peristaltic Pumping Principle in Living Nature, Engineering, and Biomimetics. Advanced Intelligent Systems, 1(2), 1900009., doi: 10.1002/aisy.201900009
• Twist-to-bend ratio: an important selective factor for many rod-shaped biological structures*
  Wolff-Vorbeck, S., Langer, M., Speck, O., Speck, T., & Dondl, P. (2019). Twist-to-bend ratio: an important selective factor for many rod-shaped biological structures. Scientific reports, 9(1), 1-15. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-52878-z
• Resolving form-structure-function relationships in plants with MRI for biomimetics transfer*
  Hesse, L., Leupold, J., Poppinga, S., Wick, M., Strobel, K., Masselter, T., & Speck, T. (2019). Resolving form–structure–function relationships in plants with MRI for biomimetic transfer. Integrative and Comparative Biology, 59(6), 1713-1726. doi: 10.1093/icb/icz051/54978
• Quo vadis plant biomechanics: Old wine in new bottles or an up-and-coming field of modern plant science?*
  Speck, T., & Speck, O. (2019). Quo vadis plant biomechanics: Old wine in new bottles or an up‐and‐coming field of modern plant science?. American Journal of Botany, 106(11), 1399-1403. doi: 10.1002/ajb2.1371.
• An Overview of Bioinspired and Biomimetic Self-Repairing Materials*
  Speck, O., Speck, T. (2019). An overview of bioinspired and biomimetic self-repairing materials. Biomimetics, 4(1), 26. doi: 10.33.90/biomimetics4010026
• Emergence in Biomimetic Materials Systems
  Speck, T., & Speck, O. (2019). Emergence in biomimetic materials systems. In Emergence and modularity in life sciences (pp. 97-115). Springer, Cham.
  
  
  * Funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) under Germany's Excellence Strategy – EXC-2193/1 – 390951807