Photo: Bartlett et al.
A new adhesive technology pays homage to the octopus tentacle, whose suckers can quickly attach and detach from many surfaces. Researchers at Virginia Tech paired a curved rubber stalk with a silicone-based adhesive membrane controlled by increasing or decreasing the pressure of gas inside the stalk. An underwater welder might use the device to avoid floating away while repairing a ship, a doctor might use it to hold tissue in place during surgery, or it could be part of assistive devices. “We’re quite excited to think more about the future of how this might help people, especially if they need assistance with different everyday tasks,” says soft materials engineer Michael Bartlett, who led the research.
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