Are spin offs from original bionic products likely?
Further developments of technical applications often coincide with a further integration of functions or a change of functions. A biological principle is often realized in greatly varying biological systems or species. Likewise, if a biological principle is successfully abstracted, i.e. converted into a language that can be understood by biologist as well as engineers, there are no limits on the use of this principle in a range of technical applications. The peristaltic principle, for example, can be used for locomotion or for material transport. Similarly, the spread wings of birds can be a model for aircraft wings and also for wind turbines. The effect of multiple applicability of a principle can be seen in particular, if a bionic application is derived from biological fundamental research. The Lotus-Effect, for example, can be realized in things like faade paints, roof tiles, or textiles. The greater the innovative step of a bionic transfer of a biological principle, the more far-re
