# Reptile-Inspired Adhesives NASA Invented a Gecko Adhesive That Can Stick Stuff Together in Space By Charlotte Joyce Kidd | Published 2015-08-17 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gecko-adhesive References: [gizmodo](http://gizmodo.com/nasas-gecko-adhesive-can-cling-on-in-the-vacuum-of-spac-1724046897) & [nasa.gov](http://www.nasa.gov/jpl/gecko-grippers-moving-on-up) [NASA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/martian-aerogel-jacket) is developing a '[Gecko Adhesive](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/natiddy-gecko-plus)' 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/color-coded-packaging) 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. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 10% | Activity: 43% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Inventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/inventions) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Bio-inspired Adhesives:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Apply the concept of gecko-inspired adhesives to various industries, such as construction and manufacturing, to create strong, reusable adhesives that leave no residue. - **Reusable Adhesive Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop reusable adhesive products that eliminate the need for additional surfaces, offering a more efficient and versatile alternative to traditional adhesives. - **Smart Adhesive Solutions:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Combine gecko-inspired adhesive technology with IoT capabilities to create adhesive materials that can autonomously adjust their bonding strength based on environmental factors. ### Who This Affects Most - **Construction:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilize gecko-inspired adhesives to revolutionize the construction industry by enabling stronger and more sustainable bonding solutions for various materials. - **Manufacturing:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate gecko-inspired adhesives into manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance the performance of products. - **Aerospace:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Implement gecko-inspired adhesive technology in aerospace industries to enhance the durability and reliability of materials used in space exploration and aircraft manufacturing. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Agile Wall-Climbing Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magnecko-robot.md) - [Salvaged Spacecraft Material Jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/martian-aerogel-jacket.md) - [Wall-Climbing Pool Cleaners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/natiddy-gecko-plus.md) - [Adhesive Small Tracking Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tagvault-fabric.md) - [Aftermarket Windshield Wipers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/geckowiper.md) - [Tape Crafting Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nano-tape.md) - [Zero-Gravity Robotic Cubes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electrovoxel.md) - [Flexible Gel Glues](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rapidfuse-flex-gel-super-glue.md) - [Space-Age Personal Care](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/naples-soap-company.md)