A mobile magnetic pad with fast light-switchable adhesion capabilities
Octopus suckers that possess the ability to actively control adhesion through muscle actuation have
inspired artificial adhesives for safe manipulation of thin and delicate objects. However, the
design of adhesives with fast adhesion switching speed to transport cargoes in confined spaces
remains an open challenge. Here, we present an untethered magnetic adhesive pad combining the
functionality of fast adhesion switching and remotely controlled locomotion. The adhesive pad can be
activated from low-adhesion state to high-adhesion state by near infrared laser within 30 s,
allowing to fulfill a high-throughput task of retrieving and releasing objects. Moreover, under the
guidance of external magnetic field, the proposed pad is demonstrated to transport thin and fragile
electronic components across a tortuous path, thus indicating its potential for dexterous delivery
in complex working environments.
Source: Bioinspiration and Biomimetics - Category: Science Authors: Lin Su, Dong Dong Jin, Cheng Feng Pan, Neng Xia, Kai Fung Chan, Veronica Iacovacci, Tiantian Xu, Xuemin Du and Li Zhang Source Type: research
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