Stickybot, a gecko-like robot developed at Stanford University, has feet with synthetic setae made of an elastomer. These anisotropic patches work on a range of smooth surfaces (glass, acrylic plastic, glazed ceramic tile). This capability, inspired by the results from Prof. Kellar Autumn on gecko adhesion, allows a climbing machine to attach and detach the feet with minimum preload and mininimum disturbance.
Digged by Régine who points out that the Pentagon is interested in developing gecko-inspired climbing gloves and shoes.
see the gecko bot in action (24MB mov file)
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