Gecko Inspired Suit Could Have you Climbing the Wall

Nicola Maria Pugno

doi:10.4028/www.scientific.net/AST.58.66

Paper Titles

A Bat-Wing Aircraft Using the Smart Joint Mechanism
p.41

Analysis and Optimization-Based Synthesis of Compliant Mechanisms
p.47

Fractals to Model Hierarchical Biomaterials
p.54

New Fabrication Process of Nano–Composites by Biomimetic Approach
p.60

Gecko Inspired Suit Could Have you Climbing the Wall
p.66

Effective Impregnation of SiO₂ Sol-Gel Solution in Pine Wood and Following Gel Localization in Free Cell Volume
p.72

Bioelectronic Detection Schemes for Biomedical and Environmental Sensing
p.78

Towards Biocompatible Sensing Devices: An IPMC Based Artificial Vestibular System
p.85

Double Layer Sensor Reproducing Perception Dynamics of Olfactory Cells
p.91

HomeAdvances in Science and TechnologyAdvances in Science and Technology Vol. 58Gecko Inspired Suit Could Have you Climbing the...

Gecko Inspired Suit Could Have you Climbing the Wall

Abstract:

Theoretical van der Walls gloves could generate an adhesion force comparable to the body weight of ∼500 men. Even if such a strength remains practically unrealistic (and undesired, in order to achieve an easy detachment), due to the presence of contact defects, e.g. roughness and dust particles, its huge value suggests the feasibility of Spiderman gloves. The scaling-up procedure, from a spider to a man, is expected to decrease the safety factor (body weight over adhesion force) and adhesion strength, that however could remain sufficient for supporting a man. Scientists are developing fascinating new biomimetic materials, e.g. gecko-inspired. Here we complementary face the problem of the structure rather than of the material, designing and fabricating a first prototype of Spiderman gloves, capable of supporting ∼10 kilograms each, thanks to new Adhesive Optimization Laws.