Characterization of electro-adhesives for robotic applications

Abstract

Recent research in the field of climbing robots indicates that electro-adhesion may provide an attachment method for robots to adhere to a wide range of materials. This study compares the use of several different styles and shapes of electrodes while maintaining a similar electrode area. Electro-adhesion shear force testing was performed on electro-adhesive samples made with four different insulating polymers. These results are compared in order to indicate the best type of insulating material for electro-adhesives. Shear force adhesion tests are carried out on and compared for a wide range of common building materials.