Researchers have developed an ionic web that can grab objects 68 times heavier than their own mass and clean themselves.
Spiders weave their flexible webs along a certaina scheme that allows them to feel the smallest vibrations, easily remove adhering particles. Based on the architecture of this natural structure, scientists from Seoul National University have created its synthetic counterpart.
The constructed ion web is actually a flexible robot consisting of a plexus of elastic silicone rubber tubes,filled with organic gel with ionicconductivity. Under the influence of a high voltage current, the network generates an electric field, polarizing the surrounding objects and creating an electrostatic adhesion effect, due to which the spider web can trap polymers, metals and organic materials.
Such a network can stretch three times alongcompared with the initial state without damaging the structure and grab objects whose mass is 68 times its own. To save energy and optimize performance, the system will only initiate adhesion when in close proximity to a third-party object.
In addition, the ionic web can independentlyto clean its surface with electrostatic vibration, that is, it uses electricity to create alternating forces of attraction and repulsion between the threads.
According to the developers, such a structure can be used in various applications of flexible robotics, including electronic skin and artificial muscles.
Earlier, we also reported on the development of a battery so durable that it can be used to manufacture structural elements of robots.
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