Geckos' amazing grip triggered by gravity

Washington, August 5 (ANI): Scientists at the University of Calgary (U of C) and Clemson University in South Carolina, US, have discovered that the geckos' amazing grip is triggered by gravity.

Geckos are very adept at climbing through difficult terrain using an intricate adhesive system. Until now, it has not been known when and how they switch on their unique system of traction.

"Geckos use microscopic, hair-like filaments to attach to surfaces. Only at certain angles do they switch on their traction system, however," said Russell, a biological sciences professor at the U of C.

"We are trying to understand this process, which will help in mimicking it for application to robotics," he added.

Geckos have long been known for their remarkable abilities to move on smooth surfaces such as glass.

This study adds a new angle to previous research: geckos must be on an incline in order to trigger the deployment of their adhesive system.

"Much has been learned in recent years about the mechanism by which clinging takes place, but little is known about how geckos determine when to use this ability," said Tim Higham of Clemson University.

"We show that perception of body orientation determines when the adhesive system is switched on," he added.

The scientists discovered that the tipping point, which turns on the gecko's adhesive system, is 10 degrees.

Three of the six geckos studied applied their adhesive system on a 10 degree slope. At 30 degrees all six applied the system.

The three that applied the traction at 10 degrees slowed down, the three that didn't were much quicker.

"There are costs, in terms of speed, and benefits, in terms of traction, associated with this switch just as there are for Formula 1 cars when rain tires are employed instead of slicks when circumstances place a premium on grip over outright speed," said Russell.

In the case of the geckos, the intricate way that the toes are used in order to achieve the grip necessary to climb is responsible for slowing them. (ANI)