Introduction

Abstract

Biomimetics is derived from the Greek word biomimesis. It means mimicking biology or living nature, or living organisms, and is also called biomimicry. The word biomimetics was coined by polymath Otto Schmitt in 1957, who, in his doctoral research, developed a physical device that mimicked the electrical action of a nerve. Another word often used in Europe and Asia is bionics, coined by Jack Steele of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio in 1960. Bionics combines two words, biology and technology/electronics. It translates to the creation of products, devices, and processes by using materials and processes found in living nature. Bionics today is referred to as robotics and replacement or enhancement of living matter, tissue, body parts, and organs. An example of bionics would be the “bionic man.” Finally, another word used is biognosis, which is defined as the scientific investigation of life.