Page 176 - Biomimetics: Technology Imitates Nature

Biomimetics: Technology Imitates Nature

The Gecko’s Feet Open New Technological Horizons

These small lizards are able to run
very fast up walls and walk around
clinging to the ceiling, very comfortably.
Until recently, we didn’t understand
how it could be possible for any verte-
brate animal to climb up walls like the
cartoon and film hero Spiderman. Now,
years of research have finally uncovered
the secret on which their extraordinary ability depends. Little steps by the
gecko have led to enormous discoveries with tremendous implications,
particularly for robot designers. A few can be summarized as follows:
- Researchers in California believe that the lizard’s “sticky” toes can
help in developing a dry, and self-cleaning adhesive. 116
- Geckos’ feet generate an adhesive force 600 times greater than that
of friction. Gecko-like robots could climb up the walls of burning build-

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