Small tool that uses the theory of surface pressure to perform absorption (adhesion) and the ability to crawl like a superhero. This application will be installed on shoes or gloves so that people who use it will be attached and crawling on the wall.

This device consists of base plate patterned with microscopic holes. A container underneath the water reservoir and the middle is a porous layer. Electric field is applied using a 9-volt battery that pumps water through the device and cause the drop of water through the top layer. Voltage drop at the open surface make this tool more gripping surface.

To disable this adhesion force, only the electric field is reversed, and the water pulled back through the pores, through the walls of the pores created between the device and other surfaces with water droplets.

“In our experience of everyday life, these forces are relatively weak,” said Paul Steen, a professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering. “But if you make it in large volumes so you can control it … you can get a power stronger adhesion.”

So far, the device is only useful on objects or small creatures. For example, one prototype was made with about 1000 holes measuring 300 microns, and able to withstand the weight of about 30 grams only.

But the researchers found that when they reduce the size of the hole and pack in a larger volume, the power will be stronger adhesion. They estimated that one million devices with 1 micron-sized holes can support the weight of more than 6.8 kg.

Steen imagine the future of this prototype on a larger scale, the improved pump mechanism, and adhesive bonding can be made even more powerful. He also thought the water droplets will close with a thin membrane enough to control the pump but thick enough to eliminate secondhand.

Steen looks seemed more interested in imagining a device that could be supporting a criminal act than to use it to protect the world.

“Imagine you could make a credit card-sized device, and put them on the door and soon it will open the door himself,” said Steen. “It’s interesting to imagine.”