Biologically informed disciplines: a comparative analysis of bionics, biomimetics, biomimicry, and bio-inspiration among others

Abstract

This article offers a complementary approach to research and education in biologically informed disciplines through the lens of bionics, biomimetics, and biomimicry terminology. For the purpose of developing this approach, we look at past and current contexts in which the three fi elds have emerged and identify three issues: an absence of common ground that unites the fi elds of bionics, biomimetics, and biomimicry while recognizing their contextual differences, a non-standardized use of the terminology that leads to ambiguity within the fi eld of biologically informed disciplines, an incomplete and disorganized historical and contextual knowledge about the fi eld that inhibits a common starting ground for collaboration, and confuses non-scientists who seek biological understanding. We offer a fundamental understanding of the fi elds from theoretical perspective by bringing together opinions of researchers and practitioners of bionics, biomimetics, biomimicry, bio-inspiration and offering a comprehensive analysis of terms culminating in the introduction of an overarching term 'biologically informed disciplines'.