Stickybot by MarkCutkosky (2006), Center for Design Research, Stanford University, CA. Stickybot explores mobility on vertical surfaces using dry adhesion. The adhesion comes from van der Waals forces which don’t leave a sticky trail. Each of its sixteen toes has a synthetic adhesive patch with microscopic Directional Polymer Stalks that give it climbing abilities similar to those of a real gecko. These provide a strong shear force for climbing, but can be easily peeled off with a toe-curling action.
