NASA is developing a 'Gecko Adhesive' so strong that it can anchor robots to the outside of the International Space Station.
The engineers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab were inspired by the tiny micro-hairs the grow on the soles of geckos' feet. These hairs create a slight electric charge between the gecko's toe pads and the surface the gecko is clinging to, creating a bond that cannot be broken by extreme heat or pressure. The Gecko Adhesive is a super tape that leaves no residue behind, doesn't require another surface to adhere to like Velcro does and it can be reused multiple times.
For now, NASA is exploring Gecko Adhesive's applications in space travel -- allowing small robots to conduct checks and repairs on the outside of the International Space Station, for example -- but when this magic stuff hits hardware stores, it's going to change tape forever.
Reptile-Inspired Adhesives
NASA Invented a Gecko Adhesive That Can Stick Stuff Together in Space
Trend Themes
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