Bionics

Bionics (also known as Biomimetics, Biognosis or Biomimicry, a short form of Biomechanics - from the Greek word "bios" - pronounced "vios" - which means life, and the word mechanics) is the application of methods and systems found in nature to the study and design of engineering systems and modern technology.

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This technology transfer is desirable because evolutionary pressure typically forces natural systems to become highly optimized and efficient. A classical example is the development of dirt- and water-repellent paint (coating) from the observation that the surface of the lotus flower plant is practically unsticky for anything (lotus effect).

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Examples of bionics results in engineering include hulls of boats imitating the skin membrane of dolphins, sonar, radar, and medical ultrasound imaging imitating echolocation of bats.

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In the field of computer science, bionics approach has produced cybernetics, artificial neurons, artificial neural networks, and swarm intelligence. Evolutionary computation was also motivated by bionics ideas but it took the idea further by simulating evolution 'in silico' and producing well optimized solutions that had never appeared in nature.

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It is estimated by Julian Vincent, professor of biomimetics at the University of Bath in the UK, that "at present there is only a 10% overlap between biology and technology in terms of the mechanisms used."

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Biomechanics: Biomechanics is the research and analysis of the mechanics of living organisms. The research and analysis can be carried forth on multiple levels, from the molecular, wherein molecular biomaterials such as collagen and elastin are considered, to the macroscopic level, all the way up to the tissue an...

Greek: The noun Greek refers to:...

Method: method (from Greek methodos, met' hodos literally "way across"). The word entered English in 1541 via French and Latin....