CHARACTERIZATIONS OF THE GECKO ADHESIVE SYSTEM FOR RESPONSIVE AND ADAPTABLE ADHESION FOR ROBOTIC APPLICATIONS

摘要

Geckos are super climbers: they can readily and rapidly stick to almost any surface, whether hydrophilic or hydrophobic, rough or smooth, in dry and wet conditions, and detach with equal rapidity. Current technological developments demand further understanding of the gecko adhesive system, motivated by potential biomimetic or gecko-inspired applications in the design of reversible and responsive adhesives, and articulated robotic devices where rapid, strong adhesion followed by equally rapid detachment is required. Here, we briefly review recent advances in the understanding of the asymmetric structures and synergistic functionalities of gecko structures from the macro to nano scales, and devise implications for designing synthetic versions of gecko adhesive pads which has asymmetric adhesion and friction forces.