Foot adaptations climb rough and smooth surfaces: insects

1 of 2 Clawed tip of an adult “figeater” beetle leg / Janice Carr .. / License

Feet of insects adjust to rough or smooth surfaces by engaging either claws or adhesive foot-pads.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Move or stay put >
	Attach >
	Temporarily

Biomimetic Application Ideas

The mechanism is of interest to robotics engineers working on millimeter-sized silicone robots. These robots could perform functions such as cleansing the surface of tiny machine parts or moving through the human body on medical missions.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"Researchers Bert Holldobler and Walter Federle have studied how insects can adhere to both rough and smooth surfaces. They discovered that when an insect walks, two claws at the front of each foot grip the surface and then begin to retract. If the surface is rough, the claws engage and the insect scrabbles along. If the surface is smooth, the hinged claws retract further and adhesive foot-pads protrude between the claws. A miniature hydraulic system helps deploy the footpads." (Courtesy of the Biomimicry Guild)

About the inspiring organism

Insecta
Insecta

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: The mechanism is of interest to robotics engineers working on millimeter-sized silicone robots. These robots could perform functions such as cleansing the surface of tiny machine parts or moving through the human body on medical missions.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Manufacturing, robotics, medical

Bioinspired adhesive tape - Adhesive tape

Experts

Organismal, Integrative, & Systems Biology
Bert Hölldobler (also spelled Hoelldobler)
Arizona State University

Foot adaptations climb rough and smooth surfaces: insects

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