Beetle feet stick to their promises

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Microscope image of the biomimetic surface structure of the new adhesive material. The material (green) which was inspired by the soles of insects feet sticks to the glass (blue). Credit: Max Planck Institute for Metals Research
Microscope image of the biomimetic surface structure of the new adhesive material. The material (green), which was inspired by the soles of insects' feet, sticks to the glass (blue). Credit: Max Planck Institute for Metals Research

Mushroom-shaped microhairs are the secret of a new adhesive material which scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Metals Research in Stuttgart, Germany, have developed. Inspired by the soles of beetles' feet, and therefore biomimetic, the special surface structure of the material allows it to stick to smooth walls without any adhesives. Potential applications range from reusable adhesive tape to shoe soles for climbing robots and are therefore of considerable relevance to technology.


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