Autopoiesis, initially defined in the context of biological systems, refers to the self-creation and self-maintenance of living cells. This concept, however, extends beyond biology and applies to a variety of non-biological systems, including technological, social, and organizational domains. These systems exhibit self-regulating, adaptive, and autonomous behaviors that ensure their sustainability and functionality. By exploring non-biological autopoietic systems, we gain insights into the mechanisms that enable these systems to maintain their structure, respond to environmental changes, and evolve over time. This paper delves into the diverse manifestations of autopoiesis across decentralized networks, robotic systems, adaptive AI, social institutions, organizations, and smart cities. Through comparative analysis, we aim to uncover the common principles and unique features that underpin these self-maintaining systems. Understanding non-biological autopoiesis offers valuable perspectives for designing resilient, efficient, and sustainable systems that can address contemporary challenges in various fields.
Keywords: non-biological autopoiesis, self-maintaining systems, decentralized networks, adaptive AI, robotic systems, social systems, organizational systems, smart cities, sustainability, resilience, self-regulation, autonomous systems, interdisciplinary research.