In experiments, the adhesive device with a flexible, curved body and deformable membrane can maintain its strength through 100 cycles.
Researchers have developed a new adhesive device capable of accurately gripping and releasing underwater objects, as reported by Interesting Engineering on October 10. The study has been published in the journal Advanced Science.
(Video: Chanhong Lee/Michael Bartlett/Virginia Tech).
“I was fascinated by how octopuses can hold onto an object for a moment and then release it immediately. They do this underwater, with rough, curved, and uneven objects – it’s truly impressive,” said Michael Bartlett, an expert at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and the lead researcher.
The scientists observed the outermost part of the octopus’s sucker, called the funnel. This sucker acts like elastic hands that can grasp anything. It is made from living tissue, allowing it to adjust its shape and strength to fit different objects. This means it can securely grip items with various textures and shapes.
In their latest research, the team developed a multi-surface adhesive device with a curved, elastic body and a deformable membrane. This adhesive can attach to rough, curved, and uneven surfaces in various liquid environments with impressive strength.
“When activated, the octopus-inspired adhesive device becomes over 1,000 times stronger than when in a relaxed state. Importantly, this transformation occurs in a fraction of a second, approximately 30 milliseconds,” the research team stated.
Underwater adhesive device.
According to the scientists, the device has demonstrated reliable adhesion through multiple uses and over extended periods. In tests, it maintained strength through 100 cycles, even holding a rough stone underwater for over 7 days before releasing it on command. This durability is particularly crucial for situations requiring the secure hold of underwater objects for extended durations, such as when workers recover a sunken item.
Previously, Professor Bartlett developed the Octa-Glove, an octopus-inspired gripping glove. The glove is equipped with LIDAR sensors to detect and gently grip underwater objects. Potential applications for the Octa-Glove include rescue diving, underwater archaeology, assistive technologies, and healthcare. “We hope to use the new adhesive device to further enhance the Octa-Glove,” Bartlett shared.
