Bionics vs. Cybernetics — What's the Difference?

Bionics or biologically inspired engineering is the application of biological methods and systems found in nature to the study and design of engineering systems and modern technology.The word bionic, coined by Jack E. Steele in August 1958, is a portmanteau from biology and electronics that was popularized by the 1970s U.S. television series The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman, both based upon the novel Cyborg by Martin Caidin. All three stories feature humans given various superhuman powers by their electromechanical implants.

Cybernetics is a transdisciplinary approach for exploring regulatory and purposive systems—their structures, constraints, and possibilities. The core concept of the discipline is circular causality or feedback—that is, where the outcomes of actions are taken as inputs for further action.

Application of biological principles to the study and design of engineering systems, especially electronic systems.

The theoretical study of communication and control processes in biological, mechanical, and electronic systems, especially the comparison of these processes in biological and artificial systems.

The design of engineering systems, especially electronic ones, based on that of biological systems.

The theory/science of communication and control in living organisms or machines.

Biomimetics

The art/study of governing, controlling automatic processes and communication.

Application of biological principals to the study and design of engineering systems (especially electronic systems)

Technology related to computers and Internet.

(biology) the field of science concerned with processes of communication and control (especially the comparison of these processes in biological and artificial systems)