The gripper uses two pads, each 1 square inch in size, oriented in opposite directions to support forces in any direction. The gripper uses two pads, each 1 square inch in size, oriented in opposite directions to support forces in any direction. (Source: NASA)Scientists from Stanford and NASA have designed a new gecko-inspired robotic gripper that can grab and dispose of space debris that pose a hazard to satellites, spacecraft and astronauts aboard those vehicles. “What we’ve developed is a gripper that uses gecko-inspired adhesives,” said Mark Cutkosky, professor at Stanford University in the US. He imagines that someday gecko-inspired adhesive could be as common as Velcro.

Source: Indian Express June 30, 2017 05:26 UTC