While bioinspiration research has driven advances in robotics, materials, sensing, and neural computation over the past few decades, its application to mission-oriented tasks such as nondestructive testing and evaluation (NDT/E) and robotic inspection remains relatively underexplored. Bioinspired strategies provide powerful new approaches by drawing from natural systems that have evolved to perform similar tasks with remarkable efficiency and adaptability.

In this talk, I will explore four biological case studies—aye-ayes, termites, red/arctic foxes, and domestic cats—referred to as “nature’s NDE specialists.” These organisms have evolved specialized sensing and foraging strategies to detect, characterize, and assess hidden targets or material properties in their environments without disruption. For example, cats employ active auditory localization strategies in the ultrasonic range, inspiring new approaches for robotic acoustic sensing and gas leak detection. Collectively, these capabilities mirror the objectives of inspection methods such as tap testing, ultrasonic sensing, and leakage localization. By studying these biological processes, we can pioneer robotic inspection technologies that are more reliable, sensitive, and adaptable in complex or harsh environments. Finally, I will discuss how integrating bioinspiration into inspection research and education can accelerate innovation while inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers to address critical workforce needs in NDT/E and robotic inspection.