World Industrial Reporter

Innovation Delivered Daily

  • Innovation
    • Innovation Article Archive
    • Innovative Companies
    • Innovation Strategies
    • New Equipment Innovations
  • New Products
  • Additive Manufacturing
  • Markets
    • Market Trends
    • Tradeshow Reports
    • White Papers
  • Logistics
  • Newsletters
World Industrial Reporter » Innovation » Researchers Develop Gecko-Inspired Adhesive Device 'Geckskin'

Researchers Develop Gecko-Inspired Adhesive Device 'Geckskin'

April 22, 2014

Gecko ipad 2

University of Massachusetts Amherst scientists have created an adhesive device inspired by Geckos. The new Geckskin is reusable and can be used to stick objects on different types of surfaces such as metal and even glass.

“Imagine sticking your tablet on a wall to watch your favorite movie and then moving it to a new location when you want, without the need for pesky holes in your painted wall,” says polymer science and engineering professor Al Crosby. Geckskin is a ‘gecko-like,’ reusable adhesive device that they had previously demonstrated can hold heavy loads on smooth surfaces such as glass.

Several research groups have tried copying these hair-like projections on the lizards’ legs to create advanced adhesive systems. However, Crosby and colleagues’ Geckskin is modeled after a bone-tendon system, which makes it different from all other adhesive devices.

Unlike other gecko-like materials, the UMass Amherst invention does not rely on mimicking the tiny, nanoscopic hairs found on gecko feet, but rather builds on “draping adhesion,” which derives from the gecko’s integrated anatomical skin-tendon-bone system. “The key to making a strong adhesive connection is to conform to a surface while still maximizing stiffness,” Dan King, UMass Amherst researcher, said in a news release.

The Geckskin is made of soft elastomers and ultra-stiff fabrics such as glass. According to the researchers, they can use the stiffness of the material to create adhesive devices for different surfaces.

The team compared the performance of Geckskin with a living Tokay gecko on different surfaces. They found that their invention was better at sticking to a surface than the real lizard.

“The gecko’s ability to stick to a variety of surfaces is critical for its survival, but it’s equally important to be able to release and re-stick whenever it wants. Geckskin displays the same ability on different commonly used surfaces, opening up great possibilities for new technologies in the home, office or outdoors,” said Duncan Irschick, another researcher involved with the latest development of the Geckskin.

Image courtesy of University of Massachusetts Amherst.

 

Share on

Filed Under: Innovation

OEM Experts Demonstrate Latest Packing Technology to Improve Manufacturers’ Competitive Edge
Baldor, DOE to Develop Ultra-Efficient Advanced Electric Motors for Industrial Applications
Read Original Article
Avatar

About Doug Lee

Doug has over 30 years tracking and reporting on new products and services introduced by industrial companies from around the world.

Follow me
Suppliers

Beckhoff at Hannover Messe: Shaping Digital Transformation with PC-Based Control

Beckhoff is renowned for offering an extensive range of innovations that are now considered standard throughout the automation world. At Hannover Messe 2022, Beckhoff will be demonstrating how their New Automation Technology actively supports digital transformation with high-performance control and automation solutions for optimizing machines, plants, and buildings, as well as in the field of e-mobility.
View Supplier Email this Supplier

Track & Trace in Production and Logistics

From incoming goods through production to warehouse and shipping - seamless identification with RFID provides decision-relevant information in real time. With the intelligent linking of RFID information from production and intralogistics with MES and ERP systems, you increase your efficiency and gain the necessary transparency for lean processes and digitized supply chains.
View Supplier Email this Supplier

Distance and Position Measurements Up to 10 kHz

The optoNCDT 1900 laser sensors with integrated high-performance controller offer a unique combination of speed, compact design and accuracy. The intelligent surface control enables extremely stable measurement results even on challenging surfaces with changing reflections. Easy installation also in confined spaces.

View Supplier Email this Supplier

High Accuracy, Non-Contact, Absolute Linear Sensor

Santest Model GY series are high accuracy, non-contact, absolute type linear sensors employing magnetostrictive, Wiedemann effect. An ultra-sonic wave generated by a moving magnet near a magnetostrictive wave-guide on which the sonic wave propagates to the head of the transducer.
View Supplier Email this Supplier

Affordable and Fixed Installed IR Cameras

Our thermal imaging cameras with multiple wavelength options, automatic spot finder function and autonomous operation are ideal for condition monitoring of machines and plants up to 5432 °F.
View Supplier Email this Supplier

Subscribe

Get the latest WIR reports straight to your inbox.

Free Newsletter Subscription

Find us on the social web.

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Terms Of Use
  • Privacy Policy
FREE NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION

Get the latest WIR reports straight to your inbox.

  • Innovation Article Archive
  • Innovation Strategies
  • Innovative Companies
  • New Products
  • Additive Manufacturing
  • Market Trends
  • Tradeshow Reports
  • White Papers
  • Logistics
  • Newsletters
  • Fun Stuff
  • Industry Links
Follow us

© 2022 Thomas Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Posting....