Bionic Innovations for Sustainable Products and Technologies (BIONA)

ITV Denkendorf, Markus Milwich

Braided pultrusion structure modelled on the biological prototype Equisetum hyemale

Bionics - innovation inspired by nature

Bionics describes the transference of structural and functional principles of living nature to the best possible solution of applied, mainly technical, tasks. The systems of living nature impress with their multi-dimensional optimisation, a minimal use of energy and material, and a virtually complete cycle management of their waste. As a result of the virtually inexhaustible repertoire of nature in highly efficient constructions and mechanisms, bionics is a source of innovation in a wide range of research areas.

As a result of bionic research new and effective forms of interdisciplinary cooperation can be achieved and the target-orientated alliance of scientific research and industrial development can be promoted.

The funding measure "BIONA - bionic innovation for sustainable products and technologies" supported the transfer of innovative bionic approaches to sustainable and competitive solutions. High importance was attached to cooperations between research institutes and companies in the funding of bionic research.

BIONA covered the following areas:

Materials and surfaces,
Lightweight design and resource efficiency
Design and architecture,
Robotics,
Sensor technology,
Processes,
Organisation and information.

In bionics Germany now has a substantial interconnected research infrastructure and a prominent position internationally. The bionics expertise network BIOKON plays a central role in this. Since March 2010 there has also been an international network initiated by Germany, BIOKON international.