An Interview with the Gecko Brigade
By Alexandra Hay
Researchers at BAE systems are developing an adhesive inspired by geckos that could lead to a new generation of super sticking. Alex caught up with Drs Sajad Haq and Jeff Sargent who head the investigations:
Flies can walk on ceilings too so why did geckos become your chosen inspiration?
Geckos have such an obvious and amazing ability to climb vertical walls and ceilings. They leave no residue or sticky mess, are larger than flies and can support a large mass. Hence more relevant to our work.
How long has this research been in the pipeline?
We commenced the work in 2004
What was the process of discovering how geckos stick and how did you go about imitating it?
We have relied on previous studies where other people investigated how real geckos adhere. We imitated the adhesion mechanism using our world class skills, capabilities and expertise at the Advanced Technology Centre, BAE SYSTEMS in Bristol to design, fabricate and test the materials.
You say that a meter square patch of the product can suspend an average sized car from the ceiling. Have you actually tested that?
We have tested a smaller sample which when scaled up would support a car from a ceiling
If you could stick anything to the ceiling, what would it be?
An elephant
What will the primary BAE applications of this product be?
Pads for crawler robots, spiderman gloves, replacement for conventional adhesives, screws, bolts, fastners, etc
What further applications can you see it being used for?
Skin grafts, repair patches, supergrip sportswear, prosthetic devices, wigs…..
If you had free rein to do whatever you wanted with Synthetic Gecko over a weekend, where would you go and how would you put it to use?
Paint the outside of the house without ladders and scaffolding
It’s hard to visualize what structure this super-adhesive would have. Is it similar to sticky tape or blue tack or do you have to paint or spray it on?
Its like a thin plastic tape (eg sticky tape) but without feeling sticky
Do you think it will ever come available for everyone to use?
Yes
And finally, due to the obvious superhero overtones of Synthetic Gecko, which superhero would you be and why?
Superman but with invisible powers to fight crime with anonymity
Read Alex's take on the new technology here. Or check out our review of The Gecko's Foot by Peter Forbes
Flies can walk on ceilings too so why did geckos become your chosen inspiration?
Geckos have such an obvious and amazing ability to climb vertical walls and ceilings. They leave no residue or sticky mess, are larger than flies and can support a large mass. Hence more relevant to our work.
How long has this research been in the pipeline?
We commenced the work in 2004
What was the process of discovering how geckos stick and how did you go about imitating it?
We have relied on previous studies where other people investigated how real geckos adhere. We imitated the adhesion mechanism using our world class skills, capabilities and expertise at the Advanced Technology Centre, BAE SYSTEMS in Bristol to design, fabricate and test the materials.
You say that a meter square patch of the product can suspend an average sized car from the ceiling. Have you actually tested that?
We have tested a smaller sample which when scaled up would support a car from a ceiling
If you could stick anything to the ceiling, what would it be?
An elephant
What will the primary BAE applications of this product be?
Pads for crawler robots, spiderman gloves, replacement for conventional adhesives, screws, bolts, fastners, etc
What further applications can you see it being used for?
Skin grafts, repair patches, supergrip sportswear, prosthetic devices, wigs…..
If you had free rein to do whatever you wanted with Synthetic Gecko over a weekend, where would you go and how would you put it to use?
Paint the outside of the house without ladders and scaffolding
It’s hard to visualize what structure this super-adhesive would have. Is it similar to sticky tape or blue tack or do you have to paint or spray it on?
Its like a thin plastic tape (eg sticky tape) but without feeling sticky
Do you think it will ever come available for everyone to use?
Yes
And finally, due to the obvious superhero overtones of Synthetic Gecko, which superhero would you be and why?
Superman but with invisible powers to fight crime with anonymity
Read Alex's take on the new technology here. Or check out our review of The Gecko's Foot by Peter Forbes
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