They have found that geckos have millions of microscopic fibres on the pads of their feet that help them stick to all kinds of surfaces for long periods of time. Because of this, the gecko is the heaviest animal in the world able to adhere to vertical and underneath horizontal surfaces. The adhesion in its toes can be dynamically switched on or off to allow it to evade predators, this is the property that the INM researchers were looking to emulate.
Karsten Moh from INM explained: "Artificially produced microscopic pillars, so-called gecko structures, adhere to various items. By manipulating these pillars, the adhesion can be switched on and off. Thus, items can be lifted and released quickly and precisely."
During pick-and-place processes, parts have to be handled repeatedly. INM’s ‘Gecomer’ principle is claimed to reduce the risk of surface contamination with residues, and of mechanical damage due to gripping as it does not involve electrical energy, magnetism or chemicals.
In their latest version, researchers at the INM have improved the adhesive force in their Gecomer structures up to 20kg per 25cm2. The researchers claim that, using the Gecomer technology, it will be possible to use the same gripper for heavy, robust and lightweight, sensitive devices even in a vacuum. These innovations will open up new avenues for Industry 4.0.
“Our new materials add a new dimension to the handling of heavy devices which are sensitive, even in vacuum," added Moh. “With the currently developed adhesion system, adhesive forces of more than 7.5N/cm2 can be achieved. In our tests, the system has proved successful even after 15,000 cycles." Even slightly rough surfaces can be handled reliably.
The development group now focuses on the gripping of objects with non-planar surfaces. Additionally, new triggers for switching the adhesion are being explored.