bionic

Bionic refers to technologies and devices that merge biological components with electronic, mechanical, or computational systems to augment, replace, or replicate natural biological functions. The term is a blend of biology and electronics and is used across medicine, engineering, and consumer devices. The concept originated in the mid-20th century as researchers explored ways to emulate biological processes with artificial systems; the related term bionics is sometimes credited to engineer Jack E. Steele in the late 1950s. Popular usage in media from the 1970s onward helped popularize the word, though it remains a technical descriptor in scientific contexts.

Applications of bionic technology span prosthetics, sensing, and neural interfacing. Artificial limbs controlled by muscle signals, cochlear implants that restore hearing, and retinal or other sensory prostheses are among well-known examples. Neural interfaces and brain–computer interfaces aim to restore motor function or provide new ways to interact with devices by directly linking neural tissue with electronics. Exoskeletons, heart devices, and other implanted or external systems also fall within the broader bionic category. In research, ongoing work seeks to improve integration with living tissue, power efficiency, durability, and user control, while expanding capabilities and reducing risk.

Bionics is often distinguished from biomimetics; the former emphasizes functional integration with biology, whereas the latter focuses on designing systems inspired by natural forms without necessarily incorporating living tissue. Ethical, regulatory, and accessibility considerations shape development and deployment in clinical and consumer contexts.