Using the structure of an antlion to protect cultural assets from earthquakes!
Social Infrastructure (Saitama University Research Seed Collection 2025-27 p.22)
Keywords: Earthquake, Earthquake measures, Artworks, Cultural properties, Seismic isolation
In 2024, the Noto Peninsula earthquake occurred, resulting in the loss of many lives as well as numerous artworks and cultural properties. Many of the works have already lost their creators, making reconstruction and complete restoration difficult. Measures to mitigate earthquake damage to museums and galleries include securing items with fishing line and using seismic isolation devices, but there are not many options available. This research explores new measures to protect cultural properties and artworks from earthquakes. The recently announced "AL (Ant Lion) seismic isolation" is an earthquake countermeasure inspired by the predatory behavior of the insect known as the antlion. This device receives emergency earthquake alerts immediately after an earthquake occurs and, before the seismic waves arrive, pulls the floor in a manner similar to an antlion's nest, thereby protecting the artworks. By utilizing "biomimetics," which draws inspiration from predatory behaviors and nesting structures observed in ecosystems, we propose a novel method for earthquake countermeasures and aim for social implementation.
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Masato Saito, Professor Graduate School of Science and Technology, Department of Environmental Social Infrastructure, Field of Social Infrastructure Creation 【Recent Research Themes】 ● Development of seismic isolation systems that are resilient to long-period seismic motions ● Research and development of technology for identifying disaster sites such as fires using digital twins ● Mapping technology for shortest and cost-effective routes that can be utilized in evacuation map workshops ● Development of technology for exploring the optimal performance limits of seismic isolation and vibration control devices, looking ahead to the future of development technologies
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【Appeal Points to the Industry】 ● Patent No. 7445231 obtained for the AL seismic isolation mechanism ● The possibilities of biomimetics are endless, beyond just the antlion! ● Imagine what can be done in the few seconds before an earthquake strikes, and let's turn that into a device. 【Examples of Practical Use, Applications, and Utilization】 ● Protection of artworks (tentatively installed at the Saitama Prefectural Museum of Modern Art from March 2024 for a limited time) ● Protection of cultural properties ● Protection of other important everyday items.
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State of AL seismic isolation 1: A scene of exhibiting art pieces.
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State of AL seismic isolation Part 2: The appearance of protecting artworks.
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The Saitama University Open Innovation Center is a center that functions as a liaison office for industry-academia-government collaboration. It consists of three departments: the Industry-Academia-Government Collaboration Department, the Intellectual Property Department, and the Startup Support Department, each staffed with coordinators well-versed in various fields. The center's activities include solving technical challenges in companies, supporting the implementation of joint research, and conducting technology transfer aimed at introducing and utilizing Saitama University's intellectual property.