stickybot

Biomimetics: mimicing nature

Nature is awe-inspiring. There so much engineering knowledge to be gained from studying biological systems. Take this molecular biologist from UCSB: by studying how a sea sponge can create its intricate glass skeleton, he derived a method of creating thin film semiconductor materials under MUCH milder conditions than currently used. A team from Stanford created Stickybot. It's an amazing gecko-inspired robot that can climb smooth vertical surfaces. It's motion is quite amazing and life-like. No, it does not use suction cups or the venturi effect. It uses directional adhesives on it's toes - something like unidirectional velcro. Be amazed by videos of the bot in action here and here .