A shock absorber inspired by the bird’s ability to withstand severe deceleration. A woodpecker’s head experiences decelerations of 1200 g as it drums on a tree at up to 22 times per second.

The researchers came up with mechanical analogues for all these capabilities, and built a new type of shock-absorbing device involving glass beads embedded in a steel-encased aluminum cylinder.

"Not all shock absorber mechanical testing systems produce valid results. Gabriel spent over 12 months developing and adapting the Actia Muller system for the SA market.