[Robotgroup] It had to happen...

[Def Egge]

At 07:31  2008-05-21, you wrote:
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  [trimmed]

 >On topic - seems the simplest version is static electricity, but I
 >can't
 >recall ever seeing a robot that used that successfully. I think the
 >mechanism that a gecko lizard uses boils down to vanderwals  forces 

 >which
 >might be similar. FWIW.
 >
 >Paul

[trimmed]

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Paul,

The research by Kellar Autumn and coauthors into gecko locomotion 
have determined that the adhesion is largely (perhaps, entirely) due 
to van der Waals (strictly dipolar) forces (with some 
hard-to-distinguish capillary effects possible).

The possibility of electrostatic adhesion (in geckos) was eliminated 
by using antistatic guns to neutralize net charge on the 
foot-substrate system.

Perhaps, PY, will see this soon and point out any mistakes I have 
presented.


-- 

All the best....

Mike