Electroadhesion: wallwalking on demand


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The Stanford Research Institute (SRI) has come up with the equivalent of electronic gecko feet that have much higher adhesion than the Van Der Waals force used by the cute little lizards.

As the name implies, electroadhesion is an electrically controllable adhesion technology which involves inducing electrostatic charges on a surface using a power supply connected to moving, compliant pads or tracks on, for example, a moving robot.

How powerful is this adhesion? Very!! Using just 20 microwatts of power per Newton of clamping force SRI has demonstrated clamping pressures from 0.5 to 1.5 Newton/square cm of clamp area (0.8 to 2.3 pounds per square inch). Spider-Man shoes & gloves anyone?

The technology works on conductive and non-conductive surfaces, smooth or rough materials - even bricks or wood, and through dust and debris. Unlike conventional or dry adhesives, the electroadhesion can be modulated or turned off.

An early user will be Altius Space Machines, who are developing Sticky Boom, a spacecraft docking technology that would involve a telescoping boom with electroadhesive pads at the end allowing the boom to grab and reel in other spacecraft. This could be used by ISS to capture supply containers; allow cheap robotic spacecraft to clear space junk; or allow in-space refueling at fuel depots, all without the need for expensive robotic arms.

Enough for the science - here's the videos

SRI demo

Altius Sticky Boom tested on a 3lb copper ball

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