Matthew Spenko
Illinois Institute of Technology
This work will develop a novel electrostatic/gecko-like adhesive that will demonstrate an order-of-magnitude improvement of electrostatic adhesion pressure coupled with the unique ability to shed dust particles. The increase in adhesion pressure will allow the Astrobee/SPHERES class of free-flying robots to dock or perch on smooth surfaces, rough surfaces, and even fabrics. Furthermore, the dust mitigation capabilities have the potential to transition gecko-like adhesives from laboratory experiments that require frequent cleaning by hand to flight-capable systems.