Biologicalisation in manufacturing – Current state and future trends

Biologicalisation as the convergence of biology, engineering and information technology offers the prospect of dramatic step change scenarios for future innovative development. A large number of highly stimulating and potentially very valuable solutions, created over millions of years of evolution, are available in nature's solution space and waiting for application in technology. Transfer methods linking the biosphere and the technosphere are classified as functionalities which assume: bio-inspiration from nature, bio-integration combining biological and technological solutions, and bio-intelligence. The latter aims at achieving developments towards living systems based on the (reasonably) high level of appreciation of the environment, the system's capability and the specific task to be undertaken using decision making or self-reasoning. The use of large numbers of different sensors is involved together with sensor fusion strategies, self-healing and self-organising properties, along with functional integration. Moreover, to derive maximum benefit, the key enabling technologies will play a crucial role going forward. The impact on industry of unique and outstanding solutions will radically change the way manufacturing is performed today by building on new levels of latency, interconnectivity and communication. This paper aims at supporting the comprehension of these developments and revealing future trends, research needs and educational requirements in manufacturing science and technology as the biosphere and the technosphere converge to create the new levels of global sustainability.