Bionics and Biodiversity – Bio-inspired Technical Innovation for a Sustainable Future

Abstract

Rethinking the relationship between Homo sapiens and Planet Earth in the Anthropocene is fundamental for a sustainable future for humankind. The complex Earth system and planetary boundaries demand new approaches to addressing our current challenges. Bionics, namely learning from the diversity of life for nature-based technical solutions, is an increasingly important component. In this paper, we address the interrelated aspects of the uneven geographic distribution of biodiversity, the issue of the continued erosion of biodiversity translating into a loss of the ``living prototypes'' for bionics, the relationship between bionics and biodiversity and the North-south gradient in institutional capacity related to biodiversity and bionics-related areas. World maps illustrating these points are included. In particular, we discuss historical aspects and complex terminological issues within bionics or rather bionics-related disciplines, the role of evolution and biodiversity as contributors to the fabric of bionics and the contribution of bionics to the attainment of sustainable development. The history of bionic ideas and the confusing terminologies associated with them (the term bionic was coined in 1901) are discussed with regard to research, design and marketing. Bionics or Biomimetics, as we understand it today, dates back to the period between 1800 and 1925 and its proponents Alessandro Volta (electric battery), Otto Lilienthal (flying machine), and Raoul France (concepts). It was virtually reinvented under the strong influence of cybernetics in the 1960s by H. v. Foerster and W. McCulloch. The term biomimetics arose simultaneously with a slightly different connotation. ``Bioinspiration'' is a convenient modern overarching term that embraces everything from bionics and biotechnology to bioinspired fashion design. Today, marketing strategies play a crucial role in product placement within an increasingly competitive economy. The majority of so-called ``biomimetic'' products, however, only pretend to have a bionic origin or function; we have introduced the term ``parabionic'' for such products. Life arose almost four billion years ago. Today's relevant living prototypes for bionics have a history of more than one billion years of evolution, in essence a process of ``technical optimization'' governed by mutation and selection. In one specific example, we provide evidence that superhydrophobicity, an important biomimetic feature, has been in existence since at least the Paleozoic period, the time when life conquered land. Bionics might be a major contributor to future nature-based technological solutions and innovations, thus addressing some of humankind's most pressing issues. Bionics and related fields may become a major component of the current ``great transformation'' that humanity is experiencing on its trajectory towards sustainable development.