Bionics - nature as a learning ground

The word bionics is derived from a combination of the two terms bio(logy) and (electro)nics.
The interdisciplinary science of bionics is already very well known today through the media and various literature. The very new and promising area of research combines biology primarily with the science of engineering. Following the motto "nature as learning ground" the objective of bionics is to transfer problem solving in nature to the areas of engineering and electronic systems. Thus, "inventions in nature" developed and optimized over millions of years can be applied. Today leading experts in the area of bionics recognize the following definition:

Bionics as scientific discipline focuses systematically 
on the application of biological principals to the study 
and design of engineering, esp. electronic systems.