<abstract><p>In this paper, a novel bio-inspired trajectory planning method is proposed for robotic systems based on an improved bacteria foraging optimization algorithm (IBFOA) and an improved intrinsic Tau jerk (named Tau-J*) guidance strategy. Besides, the adaptive factor and elite-preservation strategy are employed to facilitate the IBFOA, and an improved Tau-J* with higher-order of intrinsic guidance movement is used to avoid the nonzero initial and final jerk, so as to overcome the computational burden and unsmooth trajectory problems existing in the optimization algorithm and traditional interpolation algorithm. The IBFOA is utilized to determine a small set of optimal control points, and Tau-J* is then invoked to generate smooth trajectories between the control points. Finally, the results of simulation tests demonstrate the eminent stability, optimality, and rapidity capability of the proposed bio-inspired trajectory planning method.</p></abstract>