Taxonomy of Bionic Systems

Based on Definition of the Subject and Method of Bionics, by V. I. Bel'Kevich and E. Yu. Vende, 10,845 CSO: 4120-S.

1. Analogic Synthetic Bionic Systems
Bionic systems which are constructed on the basis of the hybrid use of biological or technical principles.

1.1 Technical systems based on or using biological prinicples
1.1.1 Hulls of boats imitating the integument (skin membrane) of dophins.
1.1.2 Ships bow having channels to decrease impact resistance like a whale.
1.1.3 Electronic analogues of the neuron
1.1.4 (or 2.1.2.4) Chemical processes where biologically active substances of the ferment type are used as catalysts.
1.1.5 Direct conversion of chemical energy into mechanical energy with high efficiency
1.1.5.1 Artificial muscle
1.1.6 Direct conversion of chemical into electrical energy
1.1.6.1 Electric fish
1.1.6.1.1 Eels
1.1.6.1.2 Gymnotus Electricus
1.2 Biological sytems based on or using technical principles
1.2.1 Crocodiles using smooth rocks as ballast
1.2.2 Recognition by humans of any phenomenon on the basis of conscious physical and technical laws

2. Composition synthetic bionic systems
Bionic systems which are constructed on the basis of the joint use of individual biological or technical elements or subsystems.

2.1 Technical systems with biological elements or subsystems
2.1.1 Biological system is a complemental or supplemental element to the technical system. (The technical system largely carries out a function automatically, but its operation requires periodic support by a biological organism.)
2.1.1.1 Human-automaton
2.1.1.1.1 Large scale communications systems where humans are needed for maintenance.
2.1.2 Biological system is an organically integrated element of the technical system
2.1.2.1 Electrical energy systems using bacteria
2.1.2.2 Devices for feeding electronic system at the expense of muscle or thermal energy from a living organism.
2.1.2.3 Processing sugar into alcohol using yeast
2.1.2.4 (or 1.1.4) Chemical processes where biologically active substances of the ferment type are used as catalysts.
2.1.3 Biological system is a control element in the technical system (The biological element is a necessary control link to ensure the function of the technical system. This class of bionic system is really a subclass of 2.1.2, but due to the importance of control elements, is treated as a separate class - at least for now).
2.1.3.1 Human driving an automobile
2.1.3.2 Pigeons used as a guide for rockets and ships, e.g., Noah to find land
2.2 Biological systems with technical elements or subsystems
2.2.1 Technical subsystem is a complemental or supplemental element to the biological system (The biological system largely carries out its function automatically but but its operation requires periodic support by a technical element.)
2.2.1.1 Human with glasses
2.2.2 Technical system is an integrated element into the biological system. (The biological system cannot realize its function without the participation of technical elements.)
2.2.2.1 Functioning prosthetics for humans
2.2.3 Technical system is a control element to the biological system (The technical element is a necessary control link to ensure the function of the biological system. This may be treated as a subclass of 2.2.2.)
2.2.3.1 Biological object / stimulators
2.2.3.1.1 Medical stimulators
2.2.3.1.1.1 Heart stimulators
2.2.3.1.1.1.1 Pacemakers
2.2.3.1.1.2 Stomach stimulators
2.2.3.1.1.3 Intestine stimulators
2.2.3.1.1.4 Bladder stimulators
2.2.4 Technical subsystem for the control of a biological system based on a law prescribed by the biological system (This class is actually a subclass of 2.2.3. It is treated as a separate class because it is an analogic synthetic as well as a composition synthetic bionic system. That is, it is a technical subsystem in a biological system, but it is also constructed on the principles of the biological system.)
2.2.4.1 Patient/automaton system for maintaining a given level of narcosis
2.2.4.2 HAL-type hibernation system for deep space exploration?