Bionik - Bionics

摘要

Today, we like to think of 'bionics' as a combination of the last syllables of 'biology and technics'. This is rather suggestive, but quite feasible, since it emphasises the fact that although these are still two strictly separate fields, their ends should come together. There is no reason why nature and technology should continue to be viewed so differently. On the contrary: only if we overcome the boundaries by sensible integration, and if we are prepared to accept that the biological and technical disciplines can learn from one another, will we advance. The engineer should no longer ignore this world of constructions, processes and developmental principles. Instead, he should help himself, where and whenever it appears prudent, to the wealth of nature's experience. This point will be discussed in greater detail in the lecture. For the biologist, on the other hand, the time has come to do more than collect data to disappear between the covers of books in libraries. He must approach the construction engineer and offer him his results and opinions, in other words, challenge him, even going to the limits of what can reasonably be expected. This is the only way to break with rigid, apparently indispensable, established paths. Technical biology however, will only be mentioned in passing, as the main considerations in this lecture are given to bionics.