Engineers create gecko-inspired, high-friction micro-fibers

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Using only a sheet of micro-fiber array on its back without any traditional adhesive a quarter clings to a glass slide inclined at a steep 80-degree angle. Credit: Photo courtesy of the Fearing Group UC Berkeley
Using only a sheet of micro-fiber array on its back — without any traditional adhesive — a quarter clings to a glass slide inclined at a steep, 80-degree angle. Credit: Photo courtesy of the Fearing Group, UC Berkeley

Inspired by the remarkable hairs that allow geckos to hang single-toed from sheer walls and scamper along ceilings, a team of researchers led by engineers at the University of California, Berkeley, has created an array of synthetic micro-fibers that uses very high friction to support loads on smooth surfaces.


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