“Gecko-inspired leg-design allows hexapedal robot to climb vertical surfaces”

Center of Integrated Nanomechanical Systems (COINS),  College of Letters and Sciences, UC Berkeley

The unique physiology of geckos allows them to easily climb vertical surfaces. The structural array of the feet’s fibers serves as the inspiration for designing gecko-like adhesives from synthetic materials, in order to achieve vertical climbing. The forces acting on a moving gecko foot were recorded using a force sensor. The sensor captured the forces of a gecko patch as it came in contact with a mobile platform. After gathering data of the forces, we are going to design a foot that optimized the use of gecko-patches for vertical climbing. Ultimately the foot design will be incorporated to a pre-existing hexapedal robot so that it can climb vertical surfaces. Such technology can be used for data collection in hazardous, isolated regions and rescue operations in case of natural disasters.

Edy is a physics major at UC Berkeley.