Binary bonding

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Binary bonding is a kind of technology from the Generation 1 continuity family.

Headmasters are one type of binary bond.

Binary bonding is a process in which a Transformer enters into a symbiotic relationship with a smaller being (usually organic, often an Earthling or a Nebulan) who has been augmented with the ability to transform into a component or weapon.

“	These six people that you see, Sparkplug, are from the planet Nebulos and, like myself, are binary bonded to their respective Autobot partners--but in a different way. They become the Autobots' weapons!	”
—Fortress Maximus introduces the Targetmasters, The Desert Island of Space!

Fiction

Generation 1

Binary bonding was the process by which the Headmasters, Targetmasters, and Powermasters came into being.

Marvel Comics continuity

Targetmasters were binary bonded like Headmasters were, but different in that they became the Transformer's weapon. The Desert Island of Space!

The exact mechanics of binary bonding and its relationship to the various -masters is left a bit vague. Is not clear if the Headmasters' mental link between binary bonded partners due is due to binary bonding or to the Headmaster process specifically.

Cartoon continuity

The Headmasters' heads were modified with an interior control panel where their partner could sit and manually control the movements of the Transformer, if the Transformer allows it. Binary bonded Headmasters may "feel like they are part of each other", but otherwise communicate by speaking to each other normally. The Rebirth, Part 2

Classics

Amory was binary bonded to Phyrion. Cheap Shots

Unicron Trilogy

Ultra Magnus was binary-bonded to his Mini-Con partner Knock Out. Force of Habit Knock Out formed the robot mode head and central torso.

Prime cartoon

Starscream created some clones through the transference of binary bonding, so that when they got smashed, Starscream also felt the pain. Armada