Spiderman gloves

Abstract

Theoretical van der Waals gloves could generate an adhesion force comparable to the body weight of ∼500 men. Even if such a strength remains practically unrealistic (and undesired, in order to achieve an easy detachment), due to the presence of contact defects, e.g. roughness and dust particles, its huge value suggests the feasibility of Spiderman gloves. The scaling-up procedure, from a spider to a man, is expected to decrease the safety factor (body weight over adhesion force) and adhesion strength, that however could remain sufficient for supporting a man. Scientists are developing new biomimetic materials, e.g. gecko-inspired. Here we complementary face the problem of the structure rather than of the material, designing and preliminary fabricating a first prototype of Spiderman gloves, capable of supporting ∼10 kilograms each on vertical walls. New Adhesive Optimization Laws are derived and applied for increasing the capability of the scaling-up.